Final defendant in health scheme sentenced - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

The last of 14 defendants have been sentenced for their role in a scheme involving the state health plan. 

Sonya Mitchell, 35, of Jackson was employed at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. She previously pleaded guilty to a variety of charges. 

A judge then ordered Mitchell to serve 18 years in prison. She must also pay over $200,000 in restitution jointly with her co-defendants.

Authorities say over $500,000 was stolen from the state and school employees health insurance plan as a result of the scheme.

Here is a list of all the defendants and the sentences they received in this case:

Sonya Mitchell  (BCBS)                                     18 years to serve

Veronica Newell (BCBS)                                   15 years to serve

Tiana Whitsett   (BCBS)                                   15 years to serve

Zaveon Cooper (non-state/third party)           13 years to serve

Christine Degrate (JSU )                                  10 years to serve

Isis Young (MDOC)                                           10 years to serve

Kwame Smith (JPS)                                          10 years to serve

Erica Ball (MS DHS)                                           8 years to serve

Fonda Church (MS Board of Health)                  8 years to serve

Shantwana Johnson (MS Dept. of Emp. Sec.)   8 years to serve

Tambrela Johnson (MS State Hospital)             5 years to serve

Contessa Davis (MDOC)                                    5 years to serve

Crystal Barnes (JPS)                                          5 years to serve

Kathy Carter (MS Div. Medicaid)                         3 years to serve

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