Office of the
Illinois Attorney General
Kwame Raoul

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Breese, Illinois woman with exploiting and stealing more than $10,000 from an elderly and disabled person. This case is part of coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants across the country, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in healthcare fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm. 

Nicole Snyder, 44, was arraigned in St. Clair County Circuit Court on two counts of financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person of less than $50,000, and two counts of theft less than $100,000, all Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. 

“Some of our most vulnerable residents rely on services through Illinois’ Medicaid program to meet their day-to-day needs, and it is inexcusable that anyone would take advantage of these individuals and the program for personal gain,” Raoul said. “We will not tolerate abuse of Illinois’ Medicaid program, and we will continue to seek to hold these individuals accountable.” 

Raoul’s office alleges between January and May 2025 Snyder used an elderly person’s debit card to make her own personal purchases, as well as cash withdrawals. During this time, she allegedly stole more than $10,000 from the victim. 

Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated and is prosecuting this case, following a referral by the Mascoutah Police Department. 

The public is reminded the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S.  Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $12,584,776 for the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year. The remaining 25%, totaling $4,194,923 for the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year, is funded by the state of Illinois. 

Assistant Attorney General Ama Mends is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.