MAYNARD, Ark. — A Maynard woman has been sentenced to six years in state prison after using over $84,000 of an endangered or impaired adult's funds for personal purchases, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced.
Amanda Patton, 46, pleaded guilty on October 19 to one count of abuse of an endangered or impaired adult, a Class B felony. Griffin stated that Patton held power of attorney for the victim and used that position to access and misuse the victim’s money, spending it on cars, recreational vehicles, and other personal items.
In addition to her prison sentence, Patton received seven years of suspended imposition of sentence, which includes conditions such as paying restitution. Details on the exact restitution amount were not disclosed in the announcement.
“This length of sentence reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Arkansans and holding those who exploit our vulnerable population accountable,” Griffin said in a statement.
Griffin credited the investigation to Special Agent Laura Glover and Assistant Attorney General Corinne Kwapis of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. He also acknowledged the assistance of Devon Holder, prosecuting attorney for Arkansas's 3rd Judicial District, in the case.
Patton's arrest was previously reported in January. She has yet to comment publicly on her sentencing.