(Montgomery, Ala) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall today announced the indictment of a former Alabama Medicaid Agency employee for the theft of more than $100,000 in public funds.

Natalie Colette Lewis, 59, of Montgomery, was indicted by the March term of the Montgomery County Grand Jury on multiple felony charges, including Aggravated Theft of Property, Use of Office for Personal Gain, and Violation of the Alabama Computer Crimes Act. Lewis surrendered to the Montgomery County Detention Facility and was released on a $30,000 bond.

Aggravated Theft of Property is a felony punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine up to $60,000. Use of Office for Personal Gain is a Class B felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $30,000. Violation of the Alabama Computer Crimes Act is a Class C felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $15,000.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit launched an investigation after the theft was discovered and reported by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Attorney General Marshall commended the agency for its swift action in identifying and reporting the fraud.

“Public trust is the foundation of government service, and when a state employee abuses that trust for personal gain, it is a direct assault on the taxpayers of Alabama,” said Attorney General Marshall. “My office is committed to rooting out fraud and holding those who steal from the public accountable. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Bruce Lieberman, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding—$1.2 million for Fiscal Year 2024—through an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.