Benton couple arrested, accused of defrauding Medicaid & SNAP of more than $120K

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BENTON, La. (KSLA) - A couple from Benton has been arrested for allegedly defrauding Medicaid and SNAP, the Louisiana attorney general reports.

The AG’s office says the couple defrauded the two programs of more than $126,000.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) first got a criminal referral from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) about allegations that Krystle Garcia, 38, a Medicaid recipient, had underreported her income so she could get Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

During the investigation, agents learned that between October of 2017 and June of 2025, Garcia allegedly underreported her income, failed to disclose she’s married, and submitted fake addresses to LDH. The AG’s office says Garcia also intentionally misrepresented the availability of health insurance through her husband’s employer.

LBI’s investigation showed during this time, Garcia lived with her husband, Cody Simmons, 39, in Benton, but gave LDH info indicating she had no income and lived only with her minor children. Agents found out Simmons also reportedly participated in the scheme.

Evidence showed Simmons had health insurance coverage for himself through his job, but did not enroll Garcia or their children. The investigation also reportedly uncovered photos of Simmons at a grocery store in Bossier Parish using Garcia’s SNAP card to buy large amounts of groceries.

As a result of all this, the AG’s office says the couple defrauded Medicaid and SNAP programs of more than $126,000.

“If you defraud the system, we will find you and prosecute you,” said Louisiana AG Liz Murrill.

The couple was arrested Feb. 18 and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. They face charges of government benefits fraud and unauthorized use of SNAP benefits.

The investigation is ongoing.

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