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

TWO IN SCOTT COUNTY CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Scott County Grand Jury has charged two people with TennCare fraud in cases involving prescription drugs sales.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of Roscoe Phillips, 67, of Helenwood and Jackie L. Chitwood, 48, of Oneida. The arrests are the result of a joint effort with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

Both Phillips and Chitwood were arrested on separate indictments alleging they each fraudulently obtained prescription drugs using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions.  Phillips obtained the painkiller hydrocodone and Chitwood used TennCare to pay for clonazepam, an anti-anxiety medication.  After obtaining the drugs, Phillips and Chitwood both resold a portion of the pills to an undercover agent.

“The illegal trafficking of TennCare drugs is a problem across the state, not only did they use TennCare to pay for their drugs they used TennCare to pay for their ride to pick up their drugs and we simply will not tolerate it,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Enrollees who participate in selling drugs paid for by TennCare – and those who buy them – should understand this is a serious crime we intend to prosecute.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General William P. Phillips is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, over 920 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."