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

VAN BUREN CO. WOMAN CHARGED FOR 3RD TIME WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Van Buren County woman is charged for the third time with TennCare fraud.   

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Crystal L. Dillon, 31, of Spencer.   The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.  She is charged with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Oxycodone by fraudulent means. 

Dillon was first arrested by the OIG in January of 2011, when she was charged with one count of TennCare fraud, one count each of delivery of the pain reliever Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.

During an OIG undercover investigation in White County, Dillion was arrested for the second time following an OIG Round-Up on February 23, 2012.  She was charged with one count of TennCare fraud for using her TennCare benefits to obtain a controlled substance and concealing the fact she planned to sell a portion of the drugs.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.   District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr., 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."