Monroe, Louisiana - The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a Monroe man on government benefits fraud charges after he and his wife allegedly concealed income and marital status to illegally receive Medicaid benefits worth more than $22,000.

LBI agents booked Dominque Higgins, 36, of Monroe, Louisiana, at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Nov. 4, 2025, on one felony count of government benefits fraud. His bond was set at $5,000.

The arrest came after LDH referred the case to LBI for investigation. Agents discovered that Higgins had hidden his income and marital status to continue receiving Medicaid benefits he was not eligible to receive.

Investigators also found that Courtney Higgins, a former Louisiana Department of Health employee and Dominque's wife, uploaded a fraudulent employment verification letter to her husband's LDH file. The false document supported the couple's claim that Dominque was unemployed when he was actually working.

The scheme resulted in the Medicaid program being defrauded of approximately $22,536.56, according to LBI.

Courtney Higgins was arrested on Oct. 8, 2025, for her involvement in the alleged fraud scheme. As a former LDH employee, she had access to department systems that allegedly allowed her to submit false documentation on behalf of her husband.

Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Applicants must meet specific income requirements and provide accurate information about their household composition and employment status.

Government benefits fraud is a felony offense in Louisiana that involves knowingly making false statements or representations to obtain public assistance benefits. The crime carries significant penalties, including potential prison time and restitution requirements.

LBI continues to investigate the case. No additional arrests have been announced.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.