Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

FOUR PEOPLE IN MONROE COUNTY CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

AMONG 36 ARRESTED IN "OPERATION Rx"

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Four people in Monroe County are charged today with TennCare fraud, after a round-up called “Operation Rx” that netted 36 arrests for prescription drug charges in Monroe County.  The arrests are the results of an undercover investigation involving the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Madisonville Police Department, Sweet Water Police Department and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The four charged with TennCare fraud include:

• Darrell B. Graves, 35, of Tellico Plains, charged with one count of TennCare fraud;
• Donna Wiseman, 44, of Madisonville, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, and her son,
• Jeremy Shaun Ellis, 22 of Madisonville, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud;
• Edna May Roberts, 62, of Madisonville, charged with one count of TennCare fraud. 
  

“Local police – Monroe County and Madisonville Police Officers – were key to building these cases and helping us make these arrests,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We depend on local officers to help us in the war against TennCare drug fraud, and they are getting the word out that we will not tolerate fraud and abuse in this important program.” 

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

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 820 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."