FAYETTEVILLE — A Rogers doctor charged with Medicaid fraud in Pulaski County Circuit Court was arrested on a federal warrant Saturday by U.S. Marshals.
Brian Hyatt, 53, of Eris Avenue in Lowell remained at the Washington County Detention Center on Monday under a federal hold with no bond set. Hyatt does not appear to have been charged federally with a crime as of Monday morning, based on a search of federal court records.
Hyatt faces two counts of felony Medicaid fraud in Pulaski County Circuit Court. He pleaded not guilty in January 2024 and was released on $15,000 bond while awaiting trial. Hyatt had additional restrictions placed on his release after a couple of alcohol-related incidents in Rogers last year, including prohibition from drinking alcohol while awaiting trial.
Hyatt was found mentally fit to stand trial in January, but the defense wants to contest that finding. Pulaski…
MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.