A Chalmette woman was arrested by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation under Attorney General Liz Murrill on March 26 for allegedly defrauding the Medicaid program of more than $119,000.
The case is significant because it involves accusations of government benefits fraud and filing false public records, which can impact public trust in assistance programs. The investigation began after the Louisiana Department of Health referred allegations that Lindsi Melerine, age 39 and a resident of Tournefort Street in Chalmette, had underreported her income to receive Medicaid benefits.
Investigators found that between July 2021 and November 2025, Melerine reportedly concealed her marital status and true household income from the Department of Health. As a result, she is accused of illegally obtaining over $119,000 in Medicaid funds. On March 26, agents arrested Melerine pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the 19th Judicial District Court on charges related to government benefits fraud and filing false public records. She was booked at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison without incident. Her bond information has not been released.
The investigation remains ongoing. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Liz Murrill leads the Louisiana Department of Justice as attorney general, according to the official website. The department serves as the primary legal office for Louisiana under an independently elected attorney general according to its official website. It also provides services statewide according to its official website and focuses on protecting constitutional rights while providing legal resources for citizens according to its official website.
The department works to preserve Louisiana’s culture and heritage through legal efforts according to its official website, and Liz Murrill has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to its official website.