Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

ADDITIONAL WARREN CO. ARRESTS FOR TENNCARE FRAUD BRING ROUND-UP TO SIX

NASHVILLE, TN - Two additional arrests for TennCare fraud in Warren County brings the total to six for the number of people rounded up as a result of an undercover investigation.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office today announced the additional arrests.   Four others were charged earlier this month, all facing drug fraud and other charges.  The newest charges are lodged against:

• Benny Dale Craig, 55, of Sparta, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining TennCare medical benefits that he was not entitled to.
• Kendra Lachelle Buckner, 21, of Tullahoma, charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of delivery of a schedule III controlled substance.  Buckner obtained TennCare medical benefits that she was not entitled to and delivered the painkiller Hydrocodone.

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “With the help of local police like the officers in Warren County, we’re sending a message that abusing TennCare will have serious repercussions.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and delivery of a controlled substance is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General Lisa S. Zavogiannis is 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 1,300 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."