GILES COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Giles County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to alter a prescription for pain medication and have TennCare pay for it.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that Mildred Whitaker, 53, of Pulaski is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004. Since it became operational in February 2005, 262 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Charges against Whitaker stem from the allegation that she committed forgery in trying to obtain a controlled substance from a Pulaski pharmacy in September of last year.

“Prescription drug fraud is a problem in Tennessee – but because of the cooperation of pharmacists across the state, we are bringing to justice those people who are committing this crime and trying to get TennCare to pay for it,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Medical providers, law enforcement agencies and state offices are all working together in the war against TennCare fraud.”

If convicted, Whitaker could be sentenced up to two years on the TennCare fraud charge, a Class E felony, and up to four years on the charge of obtaining a controlled substance, a Class D felony. District Attorney Michael Bottoms will be prosecuting this case.