GREENE COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Greene County woman has been arrested for using TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), an agency separate from TennCare, today announced the arrest of Ora Lee Shelton, 31, of Chuckey. She was apprehended at her home by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office after OIG Agents obtained warrants for her arrest.

Shelton is accused of attempting to fill a forged prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone and Valium, an anti-depressant, at a pharmacy in Morristown. She paid for the drugs with TennCare. Shelton faces three counts each of TennCare fraud and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.

"Our continuing mission is to help prevent fraud and abuse of the TennCare prescription drug program," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "We will attempt to do so by vigorously prosecuting anyone who abuses or attempts to abuse the program."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Obtaining controlled substances by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney General C. Berkley Bell is prosecuting.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”