Mesa County Woman Charged in $1M Medicaid Fraud Scheme

Authorities say Ashley Marie Stevens billed Colorado Medicaid for fake transportation services.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 45-year-old Mesa County, Colorado woman has been arrested and charged with 11 counts of health care fraud, 6 counts of wire fraud, and 6 counts of money laundering for allegedly defrauding over $1 million from Colorado's Medicaid non-emergent medical transportation program. Prosecutors say Ashley Marie Stevens billed Medicaid for a transportation service company she ran called 'Armistead Twin Rides, LLC' and used the funds for personal expenses like vacations and a luxury car.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing efforts to crack down on Medicaid fraud, which costs taxpayers billions each year nationwide. The non-emergent medical transportation program is intended to help low-income individuals access necessary healthcare, so this alleged abuse of the system raises concerns about the integrity of the program and access to care.

The details

Authorities say that between July 2022 and February 2023, Stevens billed Colorado Medicaid over $1 million for transportation services through her company 'Armistead Twin Rides, LLC.' However, prosecutors allege the services were never actually provided and Stevens used the fraudulently obtained funds for personal expenses.

  • Stevens allegedly committed the fraud between July 2022 and February 2023.
  • She was arrested on February 18, 2026.

The players

Ashley Marie Stevens

A 45-year-old Mesa County, Colorado resident who is accused of defrauding over $1 million from Colorado's Medicaid non-emergent medical transportation program.

United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado

The federal prosecutors handling the case against Stevens.

Colorado Attorney General's Office

The state prosecutors assisting in the case against Stevens.

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What’s next

Stevens is scheduled to appear in federal court on February 24, 2026 for a bond hearing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures for government healthcare programs like Medicaid to ensure taxpayer funds are used properly and not exploited through fraudulent schemes.