Hyatt, 53, a former psychiatrist, and the others “engaged in a kidnapping conspiracy from 2018 through May of 2022? that involved the use of antipsychotic and sedative medications, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris for the Western District of Arkansas.
Hyatt and the others allegedly “conspired to hold patients against their will utilizing a variety of means to include the unlawful administration of Haldol, Ativan and Thorazine as chemical restraints, force, threats, intimidation, and the denial of phone privileges,” the release said. “The Indictment alleges that these patients were held so that members of the conspiracy could bill for services that were not rendered and were not medically necessary.”
Others charged were:
– Devon Talbert, 50, advanced practice registered nurse;
– Lindsey Hess Goucher, 40, advanced practice registered nurse;
– Miranda Newburn, 43, registered nurse and former director of the NWMC BHU;
– Robert Green, 35, former admissions and assessment referral coordinator at the NWMC BHU;
– Georgette “Gigi” Rice, 58, former NWMC BHU mental health tech;
– Owen Benjamin, 29, former NWMC BHU mental health tech; and
– Collyn Harlan, 31, former NWMC BHU mental health tech.
The 28-page indictment alleges that the conspirators did not report patient abuse they participated in and witnessed as they were required to do, the news release said.
If convicted of count one, the alleged conspirators face up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
In addition, count two alleges a conspiracy between Hyatt and Talbert to distribute the controlled substance, Ativan, without being medically necessary.
If convicted on that charge, Hyatt and Talbert face up to five years in prison, a year of probation and a fine of up to $250,000.
Hyatt is facing more than 200 lawsuits from former patients who alleged that Hyatt held patients against their will in the inpatient behavioral health unit. The complaints claim the patients were kept for the sole purpose of fraudulently billing for treatment that was not provided, court filings said. Hyatt has denied the allegations of wrongdoing.
Hyatt served on the Medical Board from 2019 until his resignation on May 16, 2023. His medical license is inactive.
A spokeswoman for the Northwest Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit didnt immediately return an email for comment.
For more state wide news coverage visit ArkansasBusiness.com.
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