LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced today that the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has made seven arrests in the past week, charging five individuals with felonies and two with misdemeanors. Griffin highlighted the unit’s “exemplary work” in protecting Medicaid funds and safeguarding vulnerable Arkansans.
Recent arrests
On September 11, Sharon Whitaker, 59, of Conway was arrested on a Class B felony charge of Medicaid fraud. Whitaker, a property manager, submitted false claims totaling $6,850.56 for personal care services that were never provided. The case was investigated by Special Agent Laura Glover and will be prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General David Jones in cooperation with Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones.
Also on September 11, John Weis, 21, of Booneville was charged with a Class D felony for abuse of a vulnerable person. While employed as a certified nursing assistant at the Booneville Human Development Center, Weis intentionally caused injury to a resident. Special Agent Laura Glover led the investigation, and the case will be prosecuted with the Fifteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
On September 17, Shane Phillips, 38, of Little Rock faced a Class A felony charge of Medicaid fraud. Phillips submitted false claims totaling $88,104.96 for personal care and attendant care services during a client’s hospital stay, as well as while working for other employers. The investigation was conducted by Special Agent Laura Glover, and Assistant Attorney General Corinne Kwapis will prosecute the case in partnership with Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones. The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General referred this matter to MFCU.
Also on September 17, three Arkadelphia residents were arrested for abuse and failure to report abuse at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center. Gregory Davell Clayborn, 33, was charged with a Class D felony for physically assaulting a resident, causing substantial pain and mental anguish. Shamirrah Desha Childs, 25, and Debbie Kay Thomas, 61, were each charged with a Class B misdemeanor for failing to report Clayborn’s abuse. Special Agent Jacob Good investigated these cases, and Assistant Attorneys General David Jones and Corinne Kwapis will prosecute in cooperation with Ninth‑East Judicial District Prosecutor Dan Turner.
On September 18, Michael Bodine, 33, of Beebe was arrested on a Class C felony charge of Medicaid fraud after billing Medicaid for personal care services for two beneficiaries simultaneously, resulting in more than 90 fraudulent claims totaling $4,725.76. Special Agent Richard Morales led the investigation, and Senior Assistant Attorney General Gabby Davis‑Jones will prosecute with Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones.
Griffin praised the investigators and attorneys for their dedication to justice, noting that the MFCU receives 75% of its funding from a federal grant of $4,781,516 for fiscal year 2026, with the remaining 25% funded by Arkansas General Revenue.
These actions underscore the state’s commitment to protecting Medicaid resources and ensuring that those who attempt to exploit vulnerable Arkansans are held accountable.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
