Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced one arrest and two convictions connected to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals residing in nursing homes. These actions are part of an ongoing statewide effort by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) to investigate and prosecute crimes involving elder abuse, financial exploitation, and Medicaid fraud.
Maynard Woman Arrested for Allegedly Exploiting Aunt’s Finances
On January 22, Amanda Patton, 46, of Maynard, was arrested and charged with exploitation of a vulnerable person, a Class B felony. Investigators allege that Patton used her elderly aunt’s personal funds—while the victim was in a nursing home—for her own benefit.
According to the statement issued by Attorney General Griffin, “Patton allegedly exploited her aunt, who was in a nursing home, by using the victim’s personal funds for her own use, including the purchase of multiple vehicles and an RV totaling more than $185,000.”
The case is being prosecuted with support from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney Devon Holder for the Third Judicial District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Couple Convicted in No-Contest Pleas
Also on January 22, two individuals from Fayetteville entered no-contest pleas to charges of exploiting a family member. David Pelto, 44, and Roi Pelto, 42, were charged with Class C felony counts of exploitation of a vulnerable person.
The couple, who were married at the time, were accused of taking advantage of David’s uncle after placing him in a nursing home. They allegedly took his personal belongings and transferred his funds for their own personal use. The court sentenced both individuals to three years of probation, a $1,000 fine plus court costs, and $500 in restitution.
Ongoing Commitment to Protecting the Vulnerable
Attorney General Griffin praised the MFCU team and law enforcement partners for their roles in bringing these cases forward. “My office remains unwavering in our mission to protect the vulnerable and hold bad actors accountable for Medicaid fraud,” he stated.
Griffin specifically acknowledged the work of Special Agents Laura Glover and Rhonda Swindle, Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Davis-Jones, and Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson, along with Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter of the Fourth Judicial District.
The Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is funded primarily through a federal grant. Of the total $4,781,516 budget for Federal fiscal year 2026, 75% ($3,586,140) is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, while the remaining 25% ($1,195,376) is funded by Arkansas General Revenue.
These recent legal actions reflect Arkansas’s ongoing efforts to protect elderly and disabled residents, particularly those in long-term care, from financial abuse and neglect.
