Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

DAVIDSON CO. MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD, IDENTITY THEFT

NASHVILLE - A Davidson County man is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to fill fraudulent prescriptions and using TennCare to pay for it.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department today announced the arrest of 26-year old Michael M. Murphy, Jr., of Antioch. 

Murphy was charged with one count of TennCare fraud, three counts of identity theft, two counts of obtaining a scheduled drug by fraud, two counts of attempting to obtain a scheduled drug by fraud, and one count of attempted identity theft.  The charges against Murphy allege he presented forged prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone bearing the name and DEA number of a provider he was unauthorized to use.

“With the cooperation of local law enforcement agencies and medical providers, we are winning the war against TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. 

If convicted, Murphy could be sentenced up to two years on the TennCare fraud charge, a Class E felony.  District Attorney Victor S. Johnson, III will be prosecuting this case.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 760 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures. 

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."