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

LINCOLN COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Lincoln County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling pain pills that were paid for with TennCare public healthcare insurance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officers today announced the arrest of William Ray Norman, 64, of Kelso. He is accused of using TennCare to pay for a prescription for the painkiller Lortab with the intent of selling it.

“We are intent on pursuing every tip, every lead we get pertaining to TennCare fraud, especially when it comes to prescription drug abuse,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Local police are just as committed in their fight to rid our communities of these crimes.”

Norman was charged with two counts of TennCare fraud which is a Class E felony that carries a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Charles Crawford will be prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,240 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."