Topeka man charged with financial fraud involving federal funds

TOPEKA, Kan. – A Kansas man made his first appearance before a judge after a federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging him with financial fraud.

Matthew Waits, 39, of Topeka, is charged with one count of theft relating to a program receiving federal funds.

According to court documents, between January and December 2023, Waits allegedly abused his position as program manager and director of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Diabetes Prevention Program to embezzle $5,000 or more in federal grants.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General are investigating the matter.

Deputy District Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.