JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has announced that the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) secured a guilty plea from Darryl Harris regarding a Medicaid Fraud scheme preying on a childhood acquaintance known to be cognitively challenged.
“Medicaid Fraud is often perpetrated by someone close to the victim.” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Missouri tax dollars fund these services to help those without a support system or the ability to get needed care. Defrauding these programs takes from Missourians in need, and our Office will continue to hold fraudsters accountable.”
Harris convinced James Williams, a childhood acquaintance who is cognitively challenged, to apply for Medicaid personal care services and list Harris as his personal care attendant. The scheme involved approving timesheets indicating Harris provided Williams with Medicaid approved healthcare services. In exchange, Harris gave Williams $60 each pay period for approving the timesheets.
Arlene Williams, the victim’s mother, told MFCU investigators that her son, despite his mental challenges, does not need state funded personal care services. The services supposedly provided to her son, such as grocery shopping, laundry, and transportation, were tasks the family managed themselves. After she discovered the scheme, Arlene subsequently reported the financial exploitation to the Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) Adult Protective Services hotline for investigation. Arlene told investigators that Harris went to high school with her son and Harris is aware of her son’s disability.
“I absolutely feel that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is a very valuable entity within the agency,” said the victim’s mother Arlene Williams. “Without this agency, predators would continue to operate corrupt activities and never be penalized for their actions. These services are meant to improve the quality of life for our aged and disabled. If these predators are not stopped it would be devastating for our consumers who ultimately suffer.”
Harris pled guilty to one count of Healthcare Fraud in violation of RSMo Section 191.905, (class D felony) and sentenced to pay restitution of $10,000, based on his ability to pay, and a civil penalty of $5,000 for a total of $15,000.
The case was referred by the DHSS, Office of Special Investigations (OSI), prosecuted by MFCU Chief Counsel and Assistant Attorney General Arvids V. Petersons, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator De’Nel Imsland.
“Our team works to safeguard taxpayer dollars and to help protect vulnerable Missourians. It often takes reports by Missourians to know when fraud occurs, and we encourage the public to reach out to our Office if a situation doesn’t seem right. We are here to help,” said Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Chief Counsel Arvids V. Petersons.
About Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s mission is twofold: first, to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid providers who unlawfully divert taxpayer dollars, and second, to hold accountable those who commit abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in Medicaid-funded facilities. This Unit demonstrates the Attorney General’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Missourians and safeguarding taxpayer dollars, the Office is proud to be home to some of the state’s most skilled prosecutors and investigators. Attorneys interested in joining this tradition of excellence and public service are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.
The Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $3,551,892.00 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,183,960.00 for FY 2026, is funded by Missouri.