MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – A former Alabama Medicaid worker will serve time behind bars after admitting to stealing more than $100,000 in taxpayer funds, according to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
Natalie Lewis, 60, of Montgomery, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison, with three years to serve and the remaining seven suspended. Following her release, she’ll serve two years on probation. The judge ordered her to begin serving immediately in the county jail, and a later hearing will determine whether she qualifies for a community corrections program.
Prosecutors said that over a five-year period, Lewis used her position to approve more than 1,600 false Medicaid payments, which were then loaded onto an EBT card she used for personal expenses.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said the case underscores the importance of accountability in public service.
“Public employees hold a position of trust, and when that trust is violated, particularly when taxpayer dollars are stolen, there must be consequences,” Marshall stated. “This sentence makes clear that abuse of public office will not be tolerated, and the people of Alabama will be made whole.”
Lewis also forfeited her state retirement benefits under Alabama law because she used her official position to commit a felony. However, she will retain the personal contributions made to her retirement account, with interest, which will be applied toward restitution owed to the state.
