TennCare Fraud Arrests in Gibson, McNairy Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Residents of Gibson and McNairy County are charged with TennCare fraud in separate cases that both involve people accused of doctor shopping for prescription drugs.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Aubrey Knight, Sr., 56, of Trenton and Brittany Norris, 27, of Adamsville.
Knight is charged in Gibson County in an arrest involving multiple prescriptions of the painkiller Hydrocodone. The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest. The charge is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Garry Brown is prosecuting.
In McNairy County, Brittany Norris is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping involving the painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in her arrest. The charge is a Class E felony. District Attorney General D. Michael Dunavant is prosecuting.
“Prescription drug abuse is a problem across the state, and using TennCare to obtain drugs by doctor shopping is one of our major targets,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Healthcare providers and local law enforcement across the state have also stepped up to help enforce the law against doctor shopping within TennCare.”
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,531 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”