Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced charges against 15 defendants in connection with more than $275,000 in alleged Medicaid fraud. This action is part of the ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Office's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) to combat Medicaid fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.

"Every dollar stolen from Medicaid is a dollar taken from Missouri’s most vulnerable," said Bailey. "I’m proud of the tireless work my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has done to root out abuse, prosecute lawbreakers, and restore integrity to this program."

These cases are part of the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, led by the Department of Justice in partnership with the FBI, HHS-Office of Inspector General, and state Medicaid Fraud Control Units. The operation targets individuals exploiting federal and state health care programs through fraud and abuse.

Several defendants have been charged across various cases. Darrell Carr was accused of submitting false claims for services not provided, resulting in $37,819.39 paid by Medicaid. Tammy Stanley-Barr and Diamond Stanley were charged with falsifying needs for personal care services, leading to payments totaling $26,976.34.

Jessie Liggins and Bertina Burris-Liggins allegedly enrolled as personal assistants without providing services, receiving $85,759.87 from Medicaid. Rhonda Johnston faced charges for failing to provide oversight that enabled these actions.

Randy and Sheila Hale were charged with identity theft among other offenses, allegedly stealing provider numbers to receive $51,115.08 from Medicaid. Karyn Gregory and Veronica Whitt submitted false claims worth $30,704.01 using a recipient's medical ID.

Other individuals like Joyce Jacox with Laila Pruitt ($27,710.27), Grant Mugge ($10,643.85), Ivorie Chambers ($3,167.59), and Kendall Morris ($2,071.58) also face similar charges for various fraudulent activities involving Medicaid funds.

Arvids Petersons, Chief Counsel of the Missouri MFCU stated: "Our team is devoted to stopping these harmful cases of fraud." He highlighted collaboration with federal partners and local prosecutors such as Cole County Prosecutor Wm. Locke Thompson.

Attorney General Bailey reminded that all allegations are subject to proof in court where defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The MFCU investigates allegations of fraud committed by Medicaid providers while prosecuting abuse or neglect within facilities funded by Medicaid. It receives funding primarily from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services alongside contributions from the State of Missouri.