Baltimore, MD – Kanika Oni Boston, 51, a former teacher from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to one year in jail for masterminding a felony insurance theft scheme that defrauded two insurance companies of over $430,000. Following her release, Boston was also mandated to serve five years of unsupervised probation.
The sentencing, delivered by Judge C. Philip Nichols, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, is a result of Boston’s fraudulent claims submitted to the American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC) and the National Teachers Association Life Insurance (NTALife) during her residency in Maryland. On May 30, 2025, Boston had previously pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft scheme and one count of felony insurance fraud.
Court documents reveal that between August 29, 2016, and July 3, 2017, Boston filed seven fraudulent claims under her NTALife short-term disability, accident, and specified health event policies. Investigators from the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) discovered a lack of supporting medical documentation for these claims, leading to $106,100 in illicit payments.
Boston further escalated her scheme by applying for supplemental policies with AFLAC, both in her name and under the names of actual and fictitious individuals. From October 16, 2017, to November 24, 2021, she submitted over 100 false claims with fraudulent medical documentation, ultimately receiving $324,235.17. MIA investigators confirmed that none of the claims made to AFLAC were backed by legitimate medical records.
Boston has fully repaid restitution amounting to $430,335.17 to both insurance companies. As part of her probation terms, she could face up to 19 years in prison if she breaches the conditions of her release.
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown emphasized the broader impact of insurance fraud, stating, “Insurance fraud drives up costs for everyone and undermines programs that support those who need it most. This defendant systematically exploited these safety nets through more than 100 false claims totaling over $430,000. By prosecuting this case and recovering these stolen funds, our Office is protecting resources that Marylanders with disabilities and serious health conditions rely on to cover basic expenses when they are unable to work.”
Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant added, “Fraud substantially increases the cost of insurance for everyone. The Maryland Insurance Administration was pleased to work with the Office of the Attorney General to make sure this individual faced justice for her actions and to send a message that fraud will not be tolerated in our state.”
