Little Rock, Arkansas – In a case that underscores ongoing efforts to protect public funds, an Arkansas woman has been convicted of Medicaid fraud after authorities determined she billed for services that were never provided.
Victoria Smith-Williams, 38, of Conway, was found guilty of one count of Medicaid fraud, a Class B felony. The conviction followed an investigation into irregular billing practices tied to her former role as a dental assistant. The case was announced by Attorney General Tim Griffin, who emphasized the importance of accountability in cases involving public assistance programs.
According to officials, Smith-Williams was sentenced last week to five years of probation. In addition to probation, she must pay a $500 fine along with court fees and restitution totaling $9,297.75. The restitution is intended to repay funds that were improperly obtained through fraudulent claims.
Fraud Scheme Uncovered Through Investigation
The case began after the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General identified inconsistencies in records connected to Smith-Williams. The matter was then referred to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which conducted a deeper investigation.
Authorities found that while working as a dental assistant, Smith-Williams submitted conflicting timesheets. Investigators determined that she billed Medicaid for comprehensive community support services that she did not actually provide to recipients. These actions resulted in improper payments and ultimately led to criminal charges.
Attorney General Griffin addressed the outcome of the case, stating, “At her trial, Victoria Smith-Williams was found guilty of felony Medicaid fraud. Last week, she was sentenced to a five-year term of probation, a $500 fine plus court fees, and restitution totaling $9,297.75. The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General referred the case to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) after Smith-Williams, while employed as a dental assistant, submitted conflicting timesheets and billed Medicaid for comprehensive community support services she never provided to recipients.
“Medicaid fraud will not be tolerated in Arkansas. My office remains committed to holding people accountable if they try to cheat the system. I applaud the exceptional work done on this case by MFCU’s Chief Investigator Gregory McKay and Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson. I am also grateful for the assistance of Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones in this case,” AG Griffin added.
Officials highlighted the coordinated effort that led to the conviction, noting the involvement of investigators and prosecutors who worked together to build the case.
The Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit operates with both federal and state funding. For the 2026 fiscal year, the unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant totaling $4,781,516, with $3,586,140 coming from federal sources. The remaining 25%, totaling $1,195,376, is funded by Arkansas General Revenue.
Authorities say cases like this serve as a reminder that misuse of public funds will be investigated and prosecuted, with the goal of protecting resources meant to support those in need.
