OFFICIALS SEEK IDENTITY OF SUSPECT IN TENNCARE FRAUD CASE

NASHVILLE – State and Polk County authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a TennCare fraud suspect whose death left police with many questions, including his correct identity. The Office of TennCare Inspector General (OIG) and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department say the Ducktown man they’re calling “John Doe,” went by several names: Mike E. Brown, Mike Brown, Ralph E. Hayes, Jr. and Robert Hayes, Jr.

The man was found dead in his home Thursday, April 14, 2005, after local police had questioned him in suspicion of Social Security fraud. His body was discovered when law enforcement agencies attempted to execute a search warrant at his home.

“John Doe” was found with four different TennCare cards matching four different aliases. Officers say he had defrauded Tennessee of an undetermined amount of money involving TennCare benefits.

“We are asking anyone with any information to come forward, in hopes of correctly identifying this individual,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Once we identify him, we can determine if others were involved in the scheme.”

The man’s body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Nashville for an autopsy and further identification. Detective Deputy Sheriff Kevin Cole with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

The man is described as about 64-years-old, Caucasian, with very short brown hair and a receding hairline. He was about five-feet ten-inches tall with a medium build and weighed about 170. Police believe he may have been from a western state, possibly Wyoming. People who knew him by one of his at least four aliases describe his personality as reclusive but meticulous and very organized.

Anyone with any information about the individual, or regarding the case can call Detective Cole at 423-496-3301, or the TennCare Office of Inspector General at 1-800-433-3982 toll-free.