KNOXVILLE WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUDTENNCARE PAID FOR FORGED PAINKILLER PRESCRIPTIONSNASHVILLE – A Knoxville woman is charged with TennCare fraud for attempting to fraudulently obtain a controlled substance and medical assistance. The Office of Inspector (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tia Thigpen, 24, also known as Tia Grigsby. She was charged with trying to obtain a Hydrocodone, a strong painkiller, and attempting to fraudulently obtain medical assistance. "Pharmacies across Tennessee have become alert to the methods people are using to obtain addictive painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “In this case – like many others across the state – a pharmacist caught the problem and called us for help.” If convicted Thigpen could be sentenced up to six years in prison on the charges, which are Class D and Class E felonies. District Attorney Randall E. Nichols will be prosecuting this case. 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.”
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