Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

PUTNAM COUNTY MAN CHARGED IN TENNCARE FRAUD CASE

NASHVILLE - A Putnam County man is charged with attempted TennCare fraud and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jimmy D. Adkins, 36, of Cookeville after a joint investigation with the Putnam County Sheriff´s Office.

Adkins is charged with one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and one count of attempted TennCare fraud for presenting an altered prescription for the strong painkiller Percocet at a local pharmacy, attempting to have the TennCare program pay for the fraudulent prescription.

"Pharmacists are looking out for people abusing TennCare to fund their drug abuse, or drug resale efforts," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "We will continue to vigorously prosecute anyone who misuses TennCare.""

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Randall York 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, nearly 1,500 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."