In a significant development for Shreveport residents, a local woman has been arrested, and another is wanted in connection with a Medicaid and SNAP fraud scheme. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigations (LBI) uncovered the fraudulent activities, which involved over $156,000 in unlawfully obtained government benefits.
Details of the Fraud
The investigation began following a referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Tanesha Bowman, 39, allegedly defrauded both the Medicaid and SNAP programs. Her accomplice, Juleah Seazer, 33, a former LDH employee, reportedly assisted in the scheme. Both women lived at the same address in Shreveport.
Seazer, who previously worked as a customer service representative for LDH, is accused of helping Bowman unlawfully reinstate her Medicaid benefits. These benefits had been terminated after Bowman’s failure to report her true marital status and household income was discovered. The fraudulent reinstatement was achieved through an unofficial phone call using the LDH Medicaid phone application system, during which Seazer filed false public records.
Extent of the Fraud
Attorney General Liz Murrill revealed that Bowman defrauded the Medicaid program of approximately $121,182. Additionally, Bowman allegedly misrepresented her household income to obtain $35,305 in SNAP benefits. She reportedly omitted her marriage to a full-time City of Shreveport employee who was living in the home.
As a result of these actions, arrest warrants were issued by the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish. Bowman was arrested on multiple charges, including eight counts of government benefits fraud and seven counts of unauthorized use of SNAP benefits. She surrendered to LBI agents and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison, with her bond yet to be set.
Ongoing Investigation
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Seazer, who faces charges of government benefits fraud, trespass against state computers, filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office. Seazer has not cooperated with the investigation and is considered a fugitive. Authorities urge anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact LBI or local law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, highlighting the importance of integrity in welfare programs and the need for vigilant oversight to protect taxpayer resources.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
