Arkansas Attorney General Griffin announces Medicaid fraud arrest

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing the arrest of Victoria Smith-Williams, 36, of Conway on one count of Medicaid fraud, a Class B Felony:

“Working as a dental assistant while concurrently billing the state Medicaid program for the same hours worked is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers of our state. I will continue fighting against this type of fraud and holding people accountable for trying to take advantage of the state.

“I thank Chief Investigator Gregory McKay in my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for his diligence in securing this arrest. I am also grateful to the Arkansas State Police for its assistance along with Sixth Judicial Prosecutor Will Jones, who has appointed Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson to be the special deputy prosecutor in this case.”

Smith-Williams was arrested on October 17. While employed as a dental assistant, Smith-Williams submitted timesheets for Medicaid services purportedly rendered at the same time. She billed the state $18,000 for comprehensive community support services that were never rendered to Medicaid recipients. She was booked at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility and is currently free on $10,000 bond.

Arkansas Medical Board chairman suspended from state Medicaid program

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

The chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board has been suspended from the Arkansas Medicaid Program and is under investigation for Medicaid and Medicare fraud.

State health officials suspended all Medicaid payments to Board Chairman Dr. Brian Hyatt on Friday after determining there was a “credible allegation of fraud,” according to a letter obtained in a public records request.

A search warrant for Hyatt’s phone records, also obtained by the Advocate under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, provides a list of allegations against the Northwest Arkansas psychiatrist being investigated by Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-03-01/arkansas-medical-board-chairman-suspended-from-state-medicaid-program

Jenny Kane/AP

Dr. Brian Hyatt is being investigated by Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office for suspected Medicaid fraud.

Rutledge announces Warrant Wednesday Campaign to highlight Medicaid fraud in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced a new social media campaign called “Wanted Wednesday” in order to highlight the Office of the Attorney General’s most wanted individuals suspected of Medicaid Fraud. On Wednesdays, Rutledge will release a poster on social media featuring the name, description, last known location and a photo of the suspect, in addition to the charges the individual is facing. Anyone with information about the suspect should call the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (866) 810-0016.

“In the first four years of my administration alone, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit secured more convictions than in the 16 years prior,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “This is due to the hard work and long hours that the men and women of the Attorney General’s Office put into investigating and tracking down those that take advantage of a system designed to help our most vulnerable.”

Since 2015, Attorney General Rutledge’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led by Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Warford has secured 174 convictions, 173 civil settlements leading to $66,791,963 in restitution, fines and penalties on behalf of the State of Arkansas.

“Thank you to Attorney General Rutledge for her leadership and commitment to prosecuting these serious crimes. This social media campaign will continue to highlight the important work of the Attorney General’s Office,” said Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Warford.

Medicaid fraud occurs when Medicaid providers use the program to obtain money to which they are not entitled. To report Medicaid fraud, abuse or neglect in nursing homes or Social Security disability fraud, call the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud hotline at (866) 810-0016 or submit a complaint online.