Three facing charges of Medicaid fraud, elder abuse in separate Arkansas incidents

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said his office was involved in the arrest of three individuals in separate incidents of Medicaid fraud and elder abuse.

The Thursday announcement said 34-year-old Hanna Christmas of Hamburg, 28-year-old Ja'Layia J. McClendon of North Little Rock and 28-year-old Trey Franks of Jacksonville are facing charges after a Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigation.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and 29 state coalition make opioid settlement with Kroger

The release stated Christmas surrendered herself to authorities on Oct. 31 and is facing a charge of felony Medicaid fraud. Officials said she had billed Deermott, Hamburg and Lakeside school districts $5,490.72 for physical therapy services she never provided. Officials added they booked Christmas into the Pulaski County Detention Facility on a $2,500 bond.

Officials said McClendon surrendered herself to authorities on Oct. 31 and is facing a charge of felony abuse of an endangered or impaired person. They continued that two witnesses saw McClendon hit an 82-year-old female at a Little Rock assisted living center, leaving bruises on the woman's face and forearm, adding that the woman had Alzheimer's disease.

Federal bill looks to protect Arkansas health care patients & pharmacies from PBM overpricing

Officials booked McClendon into the Pulaski County Detention Facility on a $2,000 bond.

Franks was arrested on Oct. 31 by Lonoke County sheriff's deputies and is facing a charge of felony abuse of an endangered or impaired person. Officials said from September to October 2023, five bank transfers totaling $1,086.26 were made to Frank's credit card account from the account of a woman in a Cabot long-term care facility.

Frankie Valli addresses fan concerns about elder abuse

Officials said Franks was arrested in Little Rock and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center.