Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Feb. 6 the conviction of Lexie King, a 21-year-old from Lepanto, for one count of misdemeanor Medicaid fraud. King was sentenced to a suspended jail term of 12 months, fined $1,000 plus court fees, and ordered to pay $3,150 in restitution.
The announcement highlights the Arkansas Attorney General’s efforts to address public integrity and uphold accountability in state programs. According to Griffin, “Lexie King was found guilty of misdemeanor Medicaid fraud earlier this week. She was sentenced to 12 months of jail suspended, a fine of $1,000 plus court fees, and payment of restitution totaling $3,150.” He said his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received an anonymous tip that King had billed for services not performed while working as a caregiver for Elite Senior Care LLC.
Investigators found that King used her cell phone to clock in and out as if providing care for two minor siblings when she was not at or near their residence. She billed Medicaid for nearly 225 hours totaling over $4,600. Griffin said: “Those who try to cheat Medicaid for their own personal gain will face justice. I commend the excellent work done on this case by Special Agent Heath Nelson and Assistant Attorneys General David Jones and Gabby Davis-Jones. I am also grateful for the assistance of Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones and the Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division.”
The Arkansas MFCU receives most of its funding from federal sources through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with additional support from state revenue.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office engages in initiatives addressing public integrity and community relations across the state according to the official website. The office offers consumer protection services, handles civil and criminal matters, supports public safety initiatives according to the official website, serves all Arkansans with legal services according to the official website, provides resources for fraud reporting and legal opinions according to the official website, and operates within legal and public safety sectors at a state level according to the official website.
Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 after holding several other roles including Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Representative according to the official website. Looking ahead, officials say they will continue efforts against fraudulent activities affecting state programs.
