Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Mar. 6 the conviction of Kimberly Rios, a West Memphis resident, for felony Medicaid fraud. Rios was sentenced to five years of probation, ordered to pay a $500 fine plus court fees, and required to make restitution totaling $11,317.25.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Arkansas Attorney General’s office to address public integrity and prevent misuse of state resources. According to Griffin, “Kimberly Rios was found guilty of felony Medicaid fraud earlier this week. She was sentenced to a five-year term of probation, a $500 fine plus court fees, and restitution totaling $11,317.25. Rios submitted claims for in-home personal care services that were not provided as reported. Records indicate Rios was not at or even near the clients’ residences at the times she claimed to have provided services. She improperly billed Medicaid for the services she never provided.” Griffin also said, “Those who attempt to cheat Medicaid for personal gain will be prosecuted and held accountable. I commend the exceptional work done on this case by Special Agent Laura Glover and Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson. I am also grateful for the assistance of Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones in this case.”
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office operates in legal and public safety sectors across Arkansas providing state-level services according to its official website. The office engages in initiatives addressing public integrity and community relations statewide according to its official website, offers consumer protection services, handles civil and criminal matters, supports public safety initiatives according to its official website, serves all Arkansans with legal and protective services according to its official website, and provides resources for fraud reporting as well as community education programs according to its official website.
Funding details were also released: The Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75% of its funding from a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services amounting to over $4 million annually; state general revenue covers the remaining portion.
Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 after holding several positions including Lieutenant Governor from 2015-2023 according to the official website. He continues his service as an officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard with prior experience in military legal operations both domestically and abroad.
This conviction is part of broader efforts by state authorities aimed at maintaining accountability within publicly funded programs.
