Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

WILSON COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN - A Wilson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs that were paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tiffany Rhea Mabery, 35, of Lebanon, after a joint investigation with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Lebanon City Police Department.

Mabery is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, in an indictment accusing her of twice presenting a pharmacy with a prescription for Fentanyl Patches – which contain opiates used for chronic pain, while planning to sell the patches.  The prescription was paid for by TennCare.  

“Prescription drug fraud is something almost every community has been dealing with – but when TennCare is involved, it’s an even more serious crime,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,600 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."