Little Rock, Arkansas – Attorney General Tim Griffin announced this week that his office has recently secured two convictions and made one arrest connected to Medicaid fraud investigations in Arkansas. The cases were handled by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and involve allegations of exploiting vulnerable individuals placed in nursing home care.
The announcement was made from Little Rock and highlights three separate individuals accused of abusing positions of trust for personal financial gain. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the cases reflect a continued effort to protect elderly and vulnerable Arkansans from financial exploitation.
One of the cases involves 46-year-old Amanda Patton of Maynard, who was arrested on January 22. Patton has been charged with exploitation of a vulnerable person following an investigation into the misuse of her aunt’s personal funds. Authorities allege that Patton’s aunt was living in a nursing home at the time of the exploitation.
Investigators say Patton allegedly used her aunt’s money for her own benefit rather than for the care or needs of the victim. The alleged spending included the purchase of multiple vehicles and a recreational vehicle. The total amount of funds involved in the case exceeded $185,500, according to the Attorney General’s Office. The charge marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation, which remains active as the case proceeds through the court system.
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In a separate case announced the same day, two individuals from Fayetteville entered no-contest pleas related to similar allegations. On January 22, 44-year-old David Pelto and 42-year-old Roi Pelto each pleaded no contest to one count of exploitation of a vulnerable person. The two were married at the time of the alleged offenses.
According to prosecutors, the couple exploited David Pelto’s uncle after placing him in a nursing home. Authorities allege that the defendants removed the victim’s personal belongings and transferred his funds into their own accounts for personal use. The investigation determined that the actions were taken without lawful justification and caused financial harm to the victim.
As part of their sentences, both David and Roi Pelto were ordered to serve three years of probation. Each was also fined $1,000, required to pay court costs, and ordered to provide $500 in restitution. The no-contest pleas allowed the cases to be resolved without a trial while still holding the defendants accountable under the law.
Attorney General Griffin emphasized the importance of these cases in protecting vulnerable populations across the state. “My office remains unwavering in our mission to protect the vulnerable and hold bad actors accountable for Medicaid fraud,” Griffin said. “I want to thank my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) for their continued dedication to protecting Arkansans, especially Special Agent Laura Glover, Special Agent Rhonda Swindle, Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Davis-Jones, and Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson. I also want to thank the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney for the Third Judicial District of Arkansas Devon Holder, and Prosecuting Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District of Arkansas Brandon Carter for their assistance in these cases.”
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The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit plays a central role in identifying and prosecuting cases involving fraud, abuse, and exploitation connected to Medicaid services. These recent actions underscore the unit’s focus on safeguarding public resources while ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not taken advantage of by those entrusted with their care or finances.
Officials say investigations into Medicaid fraud and exploitation remain a priority, and additional cases may be pursued as evidence becomes available.
