CLAY CENTER – Two Clay Center co-defendants Tuesday entered no contest pleas to Medicaid fraud related charges.

49-year-old April “Michelle” Hockett, entered the plea to unlawful acts relating to the Medicaid program, making a false claim to the Medicaid program, and theft.

53-year-old Donald Peterson, entered the plea to conspiracy to commit unlawful acts relating to the Medicaid program and conspiracy to commit theft.

Peterson and Hockett conspired to defraud the Medicaid system by submitting personal care attendant timesheets for services not actually provided.

As part of the plea, the defendants together must pay restitution in the amount of $26,418.31 to the Kansas Medicaid Program. The plea was accepted by Judge Paul E. Miller in Clay County District Court, who then entered a finding of guilty.

Sentencing is set for June 5 at 9 a-m.

Former Reno County prosecutor who is now an Assistant Attorney General, Amanda Voth prosecuted the case.