Updated | 5 p.m. Wednesday
Prosecutors say an alleged Medicaid and SNAP fraud scheme cost the territory more than $309,000, as the Virgin Islands Department of Justice confirmed Wednesday afternoon that 11 people were charged following a coordinated sweep on St. Croix involving Department of Human Services employees and community members.
According to the DOJ, the arrests stem from a 20-month investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which found that DHS employees allegedly abused their access to government computer systems to manipulate Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, allowing benefits to be issued unlawfully.
The DOJ identified the following defendants:
- Doenyka Lewis, Medicaid Assistance Program (MAP) employee
- Shanoya Hendrickson, MAP employee, and her mother Karen Blyden
- Clarissa L. Nunez, SNAP employee, and her mother Carmen Nunez
- Shantenysha Victor, MAP employee
- Kenera Sheneal Frederick, MAP employee, and her mother Sharon Olivia Henry
- Lisaminelli Montanez, SNAP employee, and her partner Shane Gaston
Authorities said Akim Noel Davis, the husband of Shantenysha Victor, has not yet been apprehended, and a wanted bulletin has been issued for his arrest.
According to the DOJ, the defendants face a range of charges that include: Medicaid fraud, accessing a computer for fraudulent purposes, fraudulent claims against the government, and embezzlement and falsification of public records.
The arrests were carried out simultaneously at DHS offices in Estate Hannah’s Rest and at multiple private residences across St. Croix, a strategy authorities often use in multi-defendant cases to prevent coordination or evidence destruction.
Speaking with the Source on Wednesday, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. emphasized that the case was handled by the local Department of Justice, not federal authorities. The DOJ’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was first certified in 2018 and has been recertified every year since, allowing the territory to independently investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud cases.
Earlier in the day, Bryan called the alleged scheme “deeply troubling,” noting that Medicaid exists to serve the territory’s most vulnerable residents and that exploiting the program constitutes a breach of public trust.
As of Wednesday afternoon, at least four of the defendants had been processed and booked, with additional court proceedings expected as remaining arrestees are processed.
The Department of Justice said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional investigative steps are underway.
Anyone with information related to Medicaid fraud is encouraged to contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 888-404-MFCU or vimfcu@doj.vi.gov.
10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28
A coordinated sweep early Wednesday morning resulted in 11 arrests on St. Croix as part of an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme that has, according to Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., been under investigation for months.
The arrests unfolded at multiple locations, including offices of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services in Estate Hannah’s Rest and private residences across the island, law enforcement sources confirmed. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, at least four of those arrested had been processed and booked, with others still awaiting processing.
Human Services officials confirmed that at least three of those arrested are DHS employees, while the remaining individuals are members of the community, including alleged program recipients and individuals connected to the medical sector. Officials cautioned that details remain limited as the investigation is ongoing.
Bryan told the Source the arrests were the result of months of work by the V.I. Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with assistance from local law enforcement.
At the time of publication, formal charging documents had not been released, with both Justice and the Virgin Islands Police Department, which handled the arrests, said additional information would be provided once filings are complete.
In a written statement issued later Wednesday, Bryan described the allegations as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing that Medicaid is intended to serve the territory’s most vulnerable residents.
“Any effort to exploit it is an attack on the public trust and a theft from the people of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said. “Let me be clear. I have zero tolerance for corruption, self-dealing, or anyone using public office or public programs for private gain.”
Bryan linked the arrests to commitments he reiterated during his 2026 State of the Territory Address, where he pledged to “stamp out corruption, wherever it appears,” and urged residents to report suspected wrongdoing.
He also commended Human Services Commissioner Averil George for cooperating with investigators and assisting the DOJ’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
“My administration will continue to support every lawful effort to uncover wrongdoing, recover misused funds, and hold accountable anyone who violates the public trust,” Bryan said.
DHS Confirms Internal Tip Triggered Investigation
The Department of Human Services confirmed Wednesday that the investigation began with an internal tip to the department’s Program Integrity Team, which was then referred to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for further action.
In its own statement, DHS said it was “deeply troubled” by the arrests, which involve employees within its Medical Assistance Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, along with community members.
“The Department holds all employees to the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability,” DHS said. “Any actions that compromise public trust or undermine the integrity of our mission will not be tolerated.”
DHS said it is cooperating fully with local authorities and has already begun taking steps to strengthen internal oversight and safeguards within its programs. Officials stressed that the alleged actions of a few do not reflect the work of the department’s broader staff.
The Source is awaiting formal statements from the Department of Justice and VIPD, which are expected to outline charges, court dates, and the scope of the alleged fraud.
This is a developing story. The Source will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
