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United States of America v. Matthew Waits
Date: 04-17-2026
Case Number: 5:24-cr-40042
Judge: Toby Crouse
Court: United States District Court for the District of Kansas (Shawnee County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Topeka
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best Topeka Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Topeka, Kansas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with theft of federal government money.
Matthew Waits, 41, of Topeka previously worked for the PBPN as manager and program director of the Diabetes Prevention Program. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / Indian Health Service awarded federal grants and assistance to the tribe. Waits misapplied more than $5,000 in grant money by using it to buy sports memorabilia, which is not an authorized purchase under the rules of the grant and in violation of federal law.
“Diabetes patients are susceptible to long-term damage to their heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. It was the defendant’s job to teach people how to avoid this chronic disease. Waits took money intended to help save lives and used it to purchase materials to enhance his hobby shop that sold collectables such as Pokemon cards and sports memorabilia,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS – OIG) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Maag and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting the case.
Matthew Waits, 41, of Topeka previously worked for the PBPN as manager and program director of the Diabetes Prevention Program. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / Indian Health Service awarded federal grants and assistance to the tribe. Waits misapplied more than $5,000 in grant money by using it to buy sports memorabilia, which is not an authorized purchase under the rules of the grant and in violation of federal law.
“Diabetes patients are susceptible to long-term damage to their heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. It was the defendant’s job to teach people how to avoid this chronic disease. Waits took money intended to help save lives and used it to purchase materials to enhance his hobby shop that sold collectables such as Pokemon cards and sports memorabilia,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS – OIG) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Maag and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting the case.
Outcome:
The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Matthew Waits?
The outcome was: The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Which court heard United States of America v. Matthew Waits?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the District of Kansas (Shawnee County), KS. The presiding judge was Toby Crouse.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Matthew Waits?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Topeka. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Topeka Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Matthew Waits decided?
This case was decided on April 17, 2026.