ATLANTA - Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker announced today that on Monday, June 22, 1998, Macon psychiatrist Patricia Maynard entered a plea of guilty in Bibb County Superior Court to Medicaid fraud and tax evasion. Senior Judge L. A. McConnell, Jr., tentatively sentenced Maynard on the Medicaid fraud count to 10 years with five to serve, but ordered a post-sentence investigation to determine the amount of restitution and on whether the sentence should be modified. Maynard was sentenced on the tax evasion count to five years probation to run consecutively to the Medicaid fraud sentence, with $5,432.00 restitution and a $1,000.00 fine.

Maynard solicited mothers, whose children were Medicaid recipients, to have their children attend summer and after school programs at her sister's personal care home in Macon and told them that recreation, tutoring and snacks would be provided. The mothers were told that the Medicaid recipient numbers were needed to pay for the van rides to the program, to pay for the children's snacks, and to provide emergency medical care, if necessary. The mothers were not told that their children allegedly needed psychiatric care.

While at the personal care home, the children played games and watched television. Maynard, however, billed the Department of Medical Assistance for family therapy for the children. From August 1994 through June 1995, Maynard received over $384,000.00 in Medicaid payments from the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance. In fact, little psychotherapy of any kind was provided.

"I will prosecute these cases all over the State of Georgia if necessary to protect citizens from Medicaid fraud," said Attorney General Baker. "I will also take whatever steps are necessary to recover money stolen from taxpayers by criminals who bilk the Medicaid system."

Prosecutors in the case were Assistant Attorneys General Harrison Kohler and Elizabeth D. Redisch. The case was investigated by GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bobby Stephens and Auditor David Walker. Throughout the prosecution, the state prosecutors received assistance and support from Bibb County District Attorney Charles Weston.