South Point Woman Charged in Ohio Medicaid Fraud Crackdown

Nearly $478K allegedly stolen statewide, with local woman accused of $3,891 in fraudulent claims

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Jessica Fitzpatrick, a 46-year-old woman from South Point, Ohio, has been indicted as part of a statewide crackdown on Medicaid fraud that authorities say cost taxpayers nearly $478,000. Fitzpatrick is accused of continuing to bill Medicaid even after she stopped providing services to a client, resulting in a $3,891 loss to the program. She allegedly confessed to submitting false documentation to support the fraudulent claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of Medicaid fraud, which not only drains public resources but also undermines care for vulnerable adults who rely on the program. The investigation spanned the state, with a total of ten providers and one recipient accused of stealing a combined $478,000 from Ohio's Medicaid system.

The details

Fitzpatrick is one of ten defendants charged following an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The other defendants include Destiny Allen, Cheryl Austin, Jennifer Cavinee, Jai Dhungel, Shelmeta Drewery, Dejoire McAlpine, Chrishawn McClendon, William Jackson, and Tonya Ware, who are accused of a variety of Medicaid fraud schemes that resulted in losses ranging from $4,072 to $212,339.

  • Fitzpatrick was indicted in February 2026.

The players

Jessica Fitzpatrick

A 46-year-old woman from South Point, Ohio, who was indicted for Medicaid fraud.

Dave Yost

The Ohio Attorney General, whose Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“This February, remember: Love may be blind, but our investigators see just fine. If you flirt with fraud, your next date will be with a judge.”

— Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General (sciotocountydailynews.com)

What’s next

The judge in Fitzpatrick's case will decide on whether to allow her out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of Medicaid fraud in Ohio, which not only drains public resources but also undermines care for vulnerable adults who rely on the program. The investigation resulted in charges against ten providers and one recipient accused of stealing a combined $478,000, underscoring the need for continued oversight and enforcement to protect taxpayer funds and ensure proper care for Medicaid recipients.