Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced the indictment of Natalie Colette Lewis, a former employee of the Alabama Medicaid Agency, for allegedly stealing over $100,000 in public funds. The Montgomery County Grand Jury indicted Lewis on charges including Aggravated Theft of Property, Use of Office for Personal Gain, and Violation of the Alabama Computer Crimes Act.
Lewis, 59, from Montgomery, surrendered to authorities at the Montgomery County Detention Facility and was released on a $30,000 bond. The charges against her carry significant penalties: Aggravated Theft of Property could result in up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine up to $60,000; Use of Office for Personal Gain is punishable by 2 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $30,000; and Violation of the Alabama Computer Crimes Act could lead to 1 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $15,000.
The investigation into Lewis's activities began after the Alabama Medicaid Agency discovered and reported the theft. "Public trust is the foundation of government service," stated Attorney General Marshall. "My office is committed to rooting out fraud and holding those who steal from the public accountable."
Assistant Attorney General Bruce Lieberman will prosecute the case as Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This unit receives substantial funding from an annual grant provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.