A sweeping statewide crackdown on Medicaid fraud and abuse has led to arrests, criminal filings and significant restitution efforts, with one of the cases unfolding in Okmulgee County.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that “Operation Sooner Shield,” an initiative led by the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), recently concluded investigations across 10 counties. The operation resulted in 10 ar- rests, two surrenders, 10 criminal cases and one civil action, with more than $1.5 million in restitution and fines identified.

“This operation demonstrates my office’s steadfast commitment to protecting vulnerable Oklahomans, combatting fraud and holding bad actors accountable to the law,” Drummond said. “These fraudsters abused the system and innocent Oklahomans. Now, they will face the consequences of their actions.”

Among the cases filed as part of the operation is one in Okmulgee County involving Pamela Sue Fisher, who faces multiple felony counts tied to the alleged exploitation of elderly or disabled individuals.

According to court documents filed in Okmulgee County District Court, Fisher is charged with four counts of exploitation of elderly persons or disabled adults.

The charges stem from incidents occurring between January 2021 and February 2022. Prosecutors allege Fisher, who was in a position of trust or had a business relationship with the victims, knowingly used or attempted to use their financial resources for personal gain.

Court records indicate: • Count One: Fisher allegedly used funds from a victim, accessing a Comerica Bank account and making purchases and cash withdrawals using a prepaid debit card.

• Count Two: A separate allegation claims she withdrew money from another victim, using similar methods at an ATM.

• Count Three: Prosecutors allege she withdrew funds from a third individual, again utilizing a prepaid debit card tied to the victim’s account.

• Count Four: The final count involves alleged unauthorized withdrawals from the account of a victim in February 2022.

In each instance, the filings state the funds were used to benefit Fisher or another person rather than the account holders, all of whom were identified as elderly or disabled individuals.

The charges are filed under Oklahoma statute 21 O.S. § 843.4, which classifies exploitation of vulnerable adults as a felony offense.

According to county jail records, Fisher was arrested March 30, but has been released on a bond of $20,000.

— Statewide effort targets abuse, fraud The Okmulgee County case is part of a broader initiative targeting misconduct within Oklahoma’s healthcare and Medicaid systems. Investigators focused on allegations ranging from neglect and financial exploitation to fraudulent billing practices.

Among other notable cases statewide:

• A Chickasha caregiver faces charges after allegedly failing to secure a wheelchair, resulting in severe injuries to a patient.

• A Bartlesville nursing facility employee is accused of stealing funds from residents.

• A Haskell County nursing home administrator faces charges tied to financial exploitation and neglect.

In addition, a civil lawsuit has been filed against a medical provider accused of billing Medicaid for treatments regardless of medical necessity.

— Protecting Critical Healthcare Resources Officials emphasized that the crackdown is not only about holding individuals accountable, but also about safeguarding a vital system.

Oklahoma’s Medicaid program – known as SoonerCare and SoonerSelect – serves more than one million residents, with over half of those beneficiaries being children. The program operates with a budget exceeding $10 billion, funded primarily through federal dollars.

Drummond said protecting those resources is essential to ensuring care for those who depend on it. — Presumption of Innocence

Authorities remind the public that all individuals charged in Operation Sooner Shield, including the Okmulgee County defendant, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

As cases proceed through the judicial system, officials say the operation sends a clear message: abuse of vulnerable individuals and misuse of taxpayer- funded healthcare programs will not be tolerated in Oklahoma.