Missouri attorney general announces charges against 24 defendants in Medicaid fraud crackdown
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Tuesday that 24 defendants have been charged in connection with more than $613,000 in alleged Medicaid fraud as part of a statewide effort to combat fraud and protect taxpayer-funded health care programs.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors are seeking more than $613,000 in restitution, along with additional damages and penalties.
Among the cases highlighted:
* Chontell Wilkes, 34, and Sandra Wilkes, 55, of St. Louis, were charged with Medicaid fraud and stealing after allegedly submitting more than 1,400 false claims for adult day care services that were never provided. Investigators allege the scheme resulted in more than $121,000 in Medicaid payments.
* Michelle Terry, 48, of St. Peters, was charged with Medicaid fraud and stealing for allegedly submitting false claims totaling more than $114,000 for services not provided through an adult day care center.
* Darcee Heath, 38, of Linn Creek, was charged with forgery and practicing nursing with fraudulently obtained credentials after allegedly forging academic records and a nursing diploma to obtain employment at multiple health care facilities.
* Laura Volkart, 43, of Festus, was charged with financial exploitation of a disabled person and stealing after allegedly diverting approximately $18,000 intended for the care of a Medicaid recipient with intellectual disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease.
* Kevin Oliver, 30, of Kansas City, was charged with Medicaid fraud and stealing after allegedly billing Medicaid for personal care services while his grandmother was receiving care at a rehabilitation facility. Investigators allege he fraudulently received about $6,000.
Additional defendants are accused of submitting false claims totaling tens of thousands of dollars through Missouri Medicaid programs.
The Attorney General’s Office said the charges are part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a nationwide enforcement initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and state Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
Since Jan. 1, 2026, Missouri’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has charged 31 defendants in 31 cases, secured 11 convictions and recovered more than $1.2 million through court-ordered restitution and civil settlements, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
The allegations remain under investigation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
