Full Breakdown
Indictments in Patient Kidnapping Scheme at Arkansas Psychiatric Facility
4/1/2026, 4:51:12 AM
Overview of the Indictment
Dr. Brian Hyatt, the former chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board, has been indicted alongside seven others for allegedly drugging and abducting psychiatric patients at the Northwest Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit in Springdale, Arkansas. The indictment, released by a federal grand jury, outlines a conspiracy that reportedly ran from 2018 to May 2022, during which patients were held against their will to facilitate billing for unnecessary medical services.
Details of the Allegations
The indictment accuses Hyatt and his co-defendants of using strong sedatives, including Haldol, Ativan, and Thorazine, to chemically restrain patients without medical justification. In addition to drugging, the defendants allegedly employed physical force, threats, and intimidation to maintain control over patients, denying them phone privileges and preventing them from reporting the abuse. The scheme involved billing for services that were not rendered and medically unnecessary, leading to significant financial gain for the facility.
The individuals indicted alongside Hyatt include:
- 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 behavioral health unit
- Robert Green, 35, former admissions and assessment referral coordinator
- Georgette “Gigi” Rice, 58, former mental health technician
- Owen Benjamin, 29, former mental health technician
- Collyn Harlan, 31, former mental health technician
Legal Consequences
If convicted, all defendants face severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and fines reaching $250,000. The charges against Hyatt and Talbert also include conspiring to distribute Ativan without medical necessity, which carries additional penalties.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris for the Western District of Arkansas announced the charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the collaborative effort of various agencies, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The Arkansas State Medical Board has not provided a comment regarding the indictment.
Criticism & Opposition
The case has drawn attention to systemic issues within psychiatric care facilities, particularly regarding patient rights and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. Critics argue that the alleged actions of Hyatt and his co-defendants highlight a troubling trend of neglect and abuse in mental health care settings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the indictment details the alleged misconduct, it does not specify the number of patients affected or the total financial impact of the fraudulent billing practices. Additionally, there is no information on whether any patients have come forward to testify against the defendants.
Verbatim Quotes
“Patients were held using chemical restraints — including Haldol, Ativan and Thorazine — as well as force, threats, intimidation and the denial of phone privileges, according to prosecutors.” — U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris
“All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” — U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris
