LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced two convictions and one arrest by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
On January 22, Amanda Patton, 46, of Maynard, was arrested and charged with exploitation of a vulnerable person, a Class B felony. Authorities say Patton exploited her aunt, who was living in a nursing home, by using the victim’s personal funds to purchase multiple vehicles and a recreational vehicle, totaling more than $185,000.
Also on January 22, David Pelto, 44, and Roi Pelto, 42, both of Fayetteville, entered no-contest pleas to one count each of exploitation of a vulnerable person, a Class C felony. Investigators say the pair exploited David Pelto’s uncle by placing him in a nursing home, taking his belongings, and transferring his personal funds for their own use. Both were sentenced to three years of probation, a $1,000 fine plus court costs, and $500 in restitution.
Attorney General Griffin stated, “My office remains unwavering in our mission to protect the vulnerable and hold bad actors accountable for Medicaid fraud.” He commended investigators, prosecutors, and local law enforcement for their work on these cases.
The Arkansas MFCU, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state revenue, investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud and patient abuse. Officials say these cases underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable Arkansans and holding offenders accountable for financial exploitation.
