The DOJ said Hyatt, the former head of the Northwest Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit in Springdale, had allegedly engaged in kidnapping from 2018 through 2022.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Arkansas — Brian Hyatt, the former head of the state medical board, and seven other former nurses and mental health techs have been federally indicted for kidnapping and other alleged crimes related to their time at a hospital in Springdale.
The Department of Justice announced on March 30 that while Hyatt was the director at the Northwest Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit, he and others allegedly engaged in kidnapping from 2018 through 2022.
The others charged include:
Advanced practice registered nurse Devon TalbertAdvanced practice registered nurse Lindsey Hess GoucherRegistered nurse and former director of the Northwest Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit Miranda NewburnFormer admissions and assessment referral coordinator at the behavioral health unit Robert GreenFormer behavioral health unit tech Georgette “Gigi” RiceFormer behavioral health unit tech Owen BenjaminFormer behavioral health unit tech Collyn Harlan
A release from the Western District of Arkansas said those charged allegedly held patients against their will using threats, intimidation, force, restraints, and the unlawful administration of drugs like Haldol, Ativan, and Thorazine.
According to the indictment, the patients were allegedly held against their will so that members of the scheme could bill for services not medically necessary.
“The object of the conspiracy was for the defendants to obtain money and other things of value from health care benefits programs, like Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance programs, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, and to maintain and succeed their employment with [Northwest Medical Center],” the indictment said.
Hyatt was arrested by U.S. Marshals on March 28, and Harlan and Green were arrested by U.S. Marshals on March 30. 5NEWS is working to learn more about other possible arrests.
Background
Hyatt is facing charges of Medicaid fraud in Pulaski County.
Court documents say that while Hyatt was the director of the Behavioral Health Unit at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, a confidential informant reported significant growth in the unit despite the doctor reportedly never visiting patients.
Hyatt’s criminal case with the state is ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for May 4 to discuss ongoing concerns about his fitness to proceed, as he was involuntarily committed to a mental health facility in 2025.
In addition to his fraud allegations, Hyatt was arrested twice in 2025 for alleged public intoxication and driving while intoxicated. He also has over 200 outstanding lawsuits, many claiming abuse and coercion.