KNOX CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Knox County woman has been charged with TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 23-year old Amber Laws, also known as Amber Colburn, has been charged with TennCare fraud, obtaining and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud for using her TennCare coverage to pay for a fraudulent prescription for the painkiller Lorcet, a brand version of hydrocodone. She was arrested while appearing in court on unrelated charges. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between OIG and the Knoxville Police Department.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud are Class D felonies that carry a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney General Randy Nichols is prosecuting.

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.”