Former Medicaid Caregiver Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud

The Attorney General's Office today announced that Ayla Atherton, 30, of Richford, Vermont, has pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Medicaid fraud related to submitting false claims for payment. Ms. Atherton's sentencing will be deferred for a two-year term of probation and repayment of restitution.

Ms. Atherton entered her plea this afternoon in Vermont Superior Court, Franklin Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Novotny, ordered Ms. Atherton to complete two years of supervised probation, repay $5,436 in restitution, and complete a restorative justice program. Ms. Atherton also agreed not to provide Medicaid services in the future.

If you suspect Medicaid fraud, you may report it to MFRAU at https://ago.vermont.gov/medicaid-fraud-report-form .

The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,497,780 for Federal fiscal year FY 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $499,260 for FY 2026, is funded by the State of Vermont.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171