Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Mar. 18 the conviction of Jacqueline Small, a 37-year-old resident of Rector, for felony Medicaid fraud. Small pled guilty to one count and received a five-year probation sentence, a $500 fine plus court fees, and was ordered to pay $7,427.38 in restitution after improperly billing Medicaid for services she did not provide.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Arkansas Attorney General’s office to address public integrity issues and protect state resources. “Addressing Medicaid fraud in Arkansas remains a top priority, and my office will continue working to hold those who abuse the system accountable,” Griffin said. He also commended Special Agent Matthew Edwards, Senior Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson, and Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones for their work on the case.
The Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) receives most of its funding from federal sources. For the Federal fiscal year 2026, it is supported by a grant totaling $4,781,516 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—$3,586,140 federally funded—with an additional $1,195,376 coming from Arkansas General Revenue for State fiscal year 2026.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office engages in initiatives addressing public integrity and community relations across the state according to the official website. The office offers consumer protection services while handling civil and criminal matters as well as supporting public safety initiatives according to its official website. It serves all residents with legal and protective services according to its official website.
Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 according to the official website, bringing experience from previous roles including Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas and U.S. Representative for Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. The office provides resources for fraud reporting along with legal opinions and community education programs according to its official website.
Operating within legal and public safety sectors at the state level according to its official website, Griffin reiterated his commitment: “Addressing Medicaid fraud in Arkansas remains a top priority.”
