FAMILY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ARRESTED FOR TENNCARE FRAUD

DOCTOR INDICTED FOR SECOND TIME

NASHVILLE – All three members of a Franklin County family are charged today with TennCare fraud … bringing to 201 the number of people charged with TennCare fraud in the past year by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Dr. Floyd Brown, 54, of Estill Springs, an osteopathic specialist, was served with a warrant for felony TennCare fraud in connection with obtaining prescription drugs paid for by TennCare. Brown was indicted on one count of theft of services, three counts of TennCare Fraud and 92 counts of obtaining prescription drugs by fraud and one count of impersonation of a licensed professional. Brown is practicing medicine even though his license was suspended by the state for one year on November 15, 2005. That was the second time Brown has been disciplined by the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, prior to today.

Brown’s wife, Kristine Puchta-Brown, 54, was indicted on one count of theft of services, three counts of TennCare fraud and 92 counts of obtaining prescription drugs by fraud. In addition, their 25-year old son, Aaron Brown was indicted on one count of theft of services and one count of TennCare fraud. All three are accused of obtaining services TennCare benefits by deception, fraud and false pretense to avoid payment for services valued at over $60,000.

Floyd Brown was released on $40,000 bond, while bonds for Kristine and Aaron set at $10,000 each. If convicted, all three could each face up to six years in prison. Assistant District Attorney Steve Blunt will prosecute the cases against the Browns.

“People we’ve charged with TennCare fraud fall into many income categories, occupations and really come from all walks of life,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Regardless of who they are, if a person is committing TennCare fraud, we’re committed to catching it and we’re going to prosecute.”

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”