Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

TWO MEN ON THE LAM ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – Two men who fled to Florida to avoid arrest on charges of TennCare fraud have been picked up in Coffee County.  The two had returned to Tennessee, and face other drug related charges as well.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Robert W. Richardson, 30, and Jeremiah M. Adcock, 28, both former residents of Tullahoma, but most recently residing in Port Richey, Florida.  The Pasco County Florida Sheriff’s Department and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the arrests.

Richardson was indicted by a Coffee County Grand Jury in April of last year.  He was charged with three counts of TennCare fraud for presenting forged prescriptions for the pain medication Morphine Sulfate, using TennCare to pay for the illegal prescription.

Jeremiah M. Adcock was indicted by a Coffee County Grand Jury in August 2010 for his part in one of Richardson’s charges. He was charged with one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

“The Office of Inspector is focused on prosecuting every one of our cases to the fullest extent of the law,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “This blatant misuse of the TennCare program will not be tolerated.”

The TennCare fraud charges against Richardson could each result in a two year sentence. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud charge against Adcock is a class D felony punishable by two to four years in prison upon conviction. District Attorney General C. Michael Layne will prosecute the case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,300 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."