(JACKSON, MISS) — Governor Tate Reeves has officially declared May as Older Americans Month in Mississippi. This month recognizes the invaluable contributions of older adults across the state, encourages renewed focus on aging trends and reaffirms our commitment to caring for older adults within our communities.

This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, highlights the importance of empowering older Mississippians to take charge of their physical, mental and emotional well-being, ensuring they stay active, informed and most importantly, independent.

 The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is proud to support the observance of this month by continuing to provide critical programs and services that promote independence and quality of life for older adults.

“Older Americans Month is a time to celebrate the wisdom and impact of older adults in our communities,” said KenYada Blake-Washington, Aging and Adult Services Division Director at MDHS. “Through Aging and Adult Services, we are supporting older individuals as they live a healthy, independent life.”

Communities and individuals can take steps to champion health and advance healthy aging by:

• Staying up to date on preventive care and screenings
• Building and maintaining social connections that support emotional well-being
• Choosing nutritious, minimally processed foods
• Incorporating regular physical activity to support strength and mobility
• Practicing daily habits that support mental health and resilience

“I am proud to proclaim May as Older Americans’ Month in the State of Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “It’s a time to recognize and honor older adults and their immense influence on every facet of families and communities throughout Mississippi and American society.”

Throughout the month, MDHS will highlight resources and services designed to support the livelihood of older adults such as nutrition programs and caregiver support services.

For more information on the services that are available adults and how you can support them, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging/.

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

Katrina Harris of Pike County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in Pike County Circuit Court on March 31, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Harris improperly received $69,881.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to accurately report her earned income and residence.

Harris was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, and restitution totaling $69,881.00.

“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 Rushing 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 SNAP 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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(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.

Lashonda Smith of DeSoto County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in DeSoto County Circuit Court on February 2, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Smith improperly received $52,053.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to accurately report her household income.

Clay was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, and restitution totaling $53,653.00.00.

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

Natisha Forest of Lauderdale County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in Lauderdale County Circuit Court on March 16, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Forest improperly received $36,860.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to accurately report her household composition and household income.

MDHS recovered $5,065.12 of the original $36,860.00 claim before the court proceeding concluded. Forest was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, and restitution totaling $32,885.88.

“This is a great example of 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 Reginald Adams 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 SNAP overpayments since its inception.

“This investigation and plea agreement demonstrate, once again, the controls we have put in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs; plainly, those controls are working,” said Robert G. (“Bob”) Anderson, MDHS Executive Director.

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

Betsy Johnson of Pearl River County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in Pearl River County Circuit Court on March 2, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Johnson improperly received $22,111.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to accurately report her household composition and household income.

Johnson was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, restitution, and investigative costs totaling $23,439.20.

“This is a great example of 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 Blake Edwards 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 SNAP overpayments since its inception.

“This investigation and plea agreement demonstrate, once again, the controls we have put in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs; plainly, those controls are working,” said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson.

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

Michelle Clay of Kemper County entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney in Kemper County Circuit Court on March 4, 2026, related to fraudulent receipt of public assistance benefits. The investigation determined that Clay improperly received $30,864.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to accurately report her household composition and household income.

Clay was sentenced to fifteen years of probation and ordered to pay fines, fees, restitution, and investigative costs totaling $32,301.00.

“This is a great example of 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-in-Charge Kevin Baysinger 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 SNAP overpayments since its inception.

“This investigation and plea agreement demonstrate, once again, the controls we have put in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs; plainly, those controls are working,” said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson.

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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