Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Jan. 28 that his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit recently secured two convictions and made one arrest related to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in Arkansas.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s office to protect vulnerable residents from abuse and uphold integrity within the state’s Medicaid system. The office is responsible for initiatives addressing public integrity, community relations, consumer protection, civil and criminal matters, as well as public safety initiatives across Arkansas, according to the official website.
Griffin said Amanda Patton of Maynard was arrested on Jan. 22 and charged with exploitation of a vulnerable person after allegedly using her aunt’s funds for personal purchases totaling more than $185,000. In a separate case on the same day, David Pelto and Roi Pelto of Fayetteville entered no-contest pleas to charges involving exploitation of David’s uncle after placing him in a nursing home. Both were sentenced to three years’ probation, fines, court costs, and restitution.
“My office remains unwavering in our mission to protect the vulnerable and hold bad actors accountable for Medicaid fraud,” Griffin said. He also thanked his staff at the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit along with local law enforcement agencies for their assistance.
The Attorney General’s office serves all Arkansans with legal services including resources for fraud reporting, legal opinions, community education programs, and operates within the legal and public safety sector at a state level according to information provided by its official website. The unit receives most of its funding from federal sources through grants administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 following roles as Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Representative from Arkansas’s Second Congressional District according to the official website. He continues his service as an officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard.
