News Summary
Priscilla Jackson, a 40-year-old from Prairieville, faces felony charges for allegedly defrauding Medicaid and SNAP programs of over $125,000. Investigations revealed she submitted false applications, misreported income, and made luxury purchases with the funds. Jackson has been charged with theft and fraud, with a bond set at $100,000. Her case highlights ongoing issues of fraud within welfare programs.
PRAIRIEVILLE, LA – Priscilla Jackson, a 40-year-old resident of Prairieville in Ascension Parish, has been charged with three serious felonies connected to an alleged fraud scheme involving over $125,000 in Medicaid and food assistance funds. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation began an inquiry into Jackson’s activities in November 2022 after receiving fraud allegations from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
Jackson is accused of submitting fraudulent applications to obtain benefits from the Medicaid program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Investigations revealed that she significantly underreported her household income and failed to disclose her marital status, which played a crucial role in her eligibility for these benefits. The internal audit conducted by the LDH noted that she also did not report financial support received from her husband.
Official records show that Jackson and her children were ineligible for Medicaid benefits between the years 2018 and 2025. Her fraudulent claims led to the collection of over $107,000 from the LDH, along with about $19,665 from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Luxury Purchases from Fraudulent Gains
The investigation uncovered that Jackson allegedly used the funds from her fraudulent activities for substantial luxury purchases. Among these was a Cadillac Escalade with a price tag of over $110,000 and a $70,000 swimming pool installation. These expenditures have drawn further scrutiny and raised questions about the misuse of government assistance resources.
Felony Charges and Arrest Details
Jackson has been charged with three felony counts: one for the unauthorized use of SNAP benefits, one for theft exceeding $25,000, and one for fraudulently obtaining government benefits. Law enforcement apprehended her on a Thursday, and she was subsequently booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail. Jackson’s bond has been set at $100,000, although there is currently no public information available regarding whether she has posted bail.
Background Context on Assistance Programs
SNAP, also known as food stamps, assists low-income households by providing funds to purchase food. Medicaid offers health coverage to eligible individuals and families with limited income. These programs are designed to support those in need, making fraud cases particularly concerning, as they undermine the integrity of the systems intended to help vulnerable populations.
The rising issue of fraud within these assistance programs has led to increased scrutiny and more significant investment in monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. The Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Children and Family Services are both actively seeking to prevent fraud and ensure that resources reach the individuals and families who genuinely qualify for assistance.
As investigations continue, officials emphasize the importance of compliance with regulations surrounding government benefits. They encourage individuals who suspect fraudulent activity to report their concerns to appropriate authorities to help maintain the integrity of these essential support systems.
This case highlights ongoing challenges within welfare programs as government agencies strive to balance assistance to those in genuine need while combating fraudulent claims. The outcome of Jackson’s charges will serve as a crucial indicator of how seriously the legal system addresses fraud within these vital programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Pelican Post: Prairieville Woman Arrested
- The Advocate: Prairieville Man’s Medicaid Fraud Conviction
- WAFB: Federal Health Care Fraud Charges
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Bayou Brief: An Uncivil War
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medicaid
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
