CHILDCARE FRAUD INVESTIGATION LEADS TO PLEA AGREEMENT

(JACKSON, MISS) — The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Office of Inspector General, Division of Investigation, announced a DeSoto County resident has entered into a plea agreement following an MDHS investigation into welfare fraud.

Kayla Smith of DeSoto County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in DeSoto County Circuit Court on April 2, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Smith improperly received $37,852.78 in Childcare Payment Program benefits by failing to accurately report her household income.

Clay was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, and restitution totaling $39,152.78.

“This is a great example of the continued collaboration between our investigations team, MDHS county offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” said Sandra Griffith, MDHS Inspector General.

The investigation was conducted by Agent Bankston with the MDHS Office of Inspector General’s Division of Investigation. Established in 2018, the Division is responsible for detecting, preventing, and deterring fraud, waste, and abuse and has recovered millions in MDHS program overpayments since its inception.

“This investigation and plea agreement demonstrates that our efforts to protect public resources are working as intended,” said Robert G. “Bob” Anderson, MDHS Executive Director. “Every step we take to prevent fraud ensures that resources and support will continue to reach the Mississippians who need it most.”

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS at any time by submitting the Fraud Tip Form online at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/report-fraud/, calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1‑800‑299‑6905, or emailing fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

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