Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

January 29, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON ARRESTS OF INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO VI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MEDICAID AND SNAP PROGRAMS

ST. CROIX, USVI— Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement regarding the recent arrests of multiple individuals connected to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Medicaid and SNAP programs:

"I have been informed of the recent arrests of eleven individuals connected to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Medicaid department.

"Medicaid and SNAP are critical programs that provide healthcare access and food security to our most vulnerable residents—seniors, children, people with disabilities, and low-income families. In communities like ours, where healthcare resources are already limited and food costs are high, these programs serve as essential lifelines for thousands of Virgin Islanders.  They should not be tampered with or put in jeopardy by illegal activity.

"I commend the law enforcement agencies involved in investigating the alleged fraud. My office will await additional information as the investigation proceeds and the legal process moves forward.

"This situation highlights our responsibility as leaders to strengthen and protect the social safety nets that serve those living in our community. We must ensure that programs designed to help our most needy residents function with integrity and remain accessible to those who depend on them.  Ensuring that all Virgin Islanders have access to livable wages, resources to meet basic needs, and affordable healthcare are some of my goals as a leader and I am certain we all wish the same.  I ask that our community allow the legal process to work.

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