Attorney General Chris Carr announced that his Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division recently secured indictments against five individuals accused of fraud committed with Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver programs.
Altogether, the defendants are alleged to have stolen more than $41,000,000 from the Georgia Medicaid program, with indictments obtained in Athens-Clarke, Gwinnett, Houston, and Richmond counties.
AG Carr warned against billing for work never completed, stating that it will always result in prosecution one way or another. The AG then committed to recovering every dollar stolen and punishing anyone who dares to cheat the system.
“Billing for hours never worked is one of the most pervasive forms of Medicaid fraud, and it will result in prosecution by our office,” said AG Carr. “This isn’t a victimless crime – it’s draining taxpayer dollars and hurting patients.”
He continued, “Here in Georgia, we won’t look the other way – we’re recovering every dollar and taking action against those who cheat the system.”
Notable Cases
For Athens-Clarke County, Sherry Waldrop, who previously served as a personal care assistant for a Medicaid recipient, has been indicted.
As reported in the indictment, after the patient cancelled her services, Waldrop continued reporting time for care that was not provided. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $10,596.06.
For Gwinnett County, Siavash Jamshidi-Barzi, who was previously employed by Atlanta Elderly Home Care, has been indicted.
As reported in the indictment, Jamshidi-Barzi submitted timesheets to Atlanta Elderly for periods in 2022 and 2023 for services he never provided. The defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $6,500.00.
For Houston County, Tenesha Dykes, who provided care for a Medicaid recipient enrolled in the self-directed care waiver option, has been indicted.
As reported in the indictment, Dykes submitted timesheets for services not rendered to the patient. The defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $8,527.16.
Medicaid Fraud isn’t a victimless crime. It’s draining taxpayer dollars & hurting patients.
In Georgia, we won’t look the other way. We’re taking action against those who cheat the system.
Proud to work with @OIGatHHS to bring these latest charges. pic.twitter.com/A4JWxh5EBl
— GA AG Chris Carr (@Georgia_AG) May 18, 2026
