Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced one arrest and two convictions connected to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals residing in nursing homes. These actions are part of an ongoing statewide effort by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) to investigate and prosecute crimes involving elder abuse, financial exploitation, and Medicaid fraud.
Maynard Woman Arrested for Allegedly Exploiting Aunt’s Finances
On January 22, Amanda Patton, 46, of Maynard, was arrested and charged with exploitation of a vulnerable person, a Class B felony. Investigators allege that Patton used her elderly aunt’s personal funds—while the victim was in a nursing home—for her own benefit.
According to the statement issued by Attorney General Griffin, “Patton allegedly exploited her aunt, who was in a nursing home, by using the victim’s personal funds for her own use, including the purchase of multiple vehicles and an RV totaling more than $185,000.”
The case is being prosecuted with support from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney Devon Holder for the Third Judicial District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Couple Convicted in No-Contest Pleas
Also on January 22, two individuals from Fayetteville entered no-contest pleas to charges of exploiting a family member. David Pelto, 44, and Roi Pelto, 42, were charged with Class C felony counts of exploitation of a vulnerable person…