Three Mid-State Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three people from Williamson and Davidson Counties are charged in separate incidents with TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the three arrests – one involves charges that a person lied to get TennCare benefits and two of the cases involve prescription drugs.

Betty L. Booze, 41, and George W. Davis, 47, both of Nashville are each charged with TennCare fraud and delivery of a controlled substance.  They are accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone and an anti-anxiety drug, Alprazolam, and then later selling a porting to an undercover informant.

Ryanne N. Cunningham, also known as Ryanne Foutch, 35, of Nolensville, is charged in Williamson County with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. She’s accused of failing to disclose to the state that she was employed, in order to obtain benefits through TennCare.

“TennCare fraud crosses all social, economic and professional lines,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “But regardless of the case, we are pursuing every lead we get in an effort to win the war on TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison.  District Attorney General Kim Helper will be prosecuting the Williamson County Case.  District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting the Davidson County cases.

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 2,523 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.”