Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

ARRESTS CONTINUE IN WARREN COUNTY TENNCARE FRAUD INVESTIGATION

NASHVILLE – Another arrest in Warren County makes it a total of seven people rounded up in a drug investigation in Warran County. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Bobby Andrew Craven, 37, of McMinnville.  He’s charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, one count of delivery of a schedule III controlled substance and one count of delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance.  Craven is accused of fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits in order to get controlled substances.  On one occasion Craven delivered the painkiller Hydrocodone and on another, he delivered Diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication that is also used to treat alcoholism and relieve insomnia. 

“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 per charge, and delivery of a controlled substance is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison per charge. 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."