LAWRENCE COUNTIAN IS 10TH CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NINE ARRESTED IN EARLIER ROUND-UP

NASHVILLE, TN – Another Lawrence County arrest brings to ten the number of people charged with TennCare drug fraud stemming from an undercover investigation.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest on the heels of a round-up earlier in the week where nine people were charged with TennCare fraud along with 27 others who faced drug charges alone. 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 of 2005, 314 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. The OIG is an agency separate from the TennCare bureau.

Sara C. Harris, 21, of Lawrence County is now added to the list of people arrested as a result of the investigation. She’s charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of selling Hydrocodone, an addictive pain reliever. Harris allegedly is accused of selling the drug – paid for by TennCare - to an undercover informant.

“Local officials across Tennessee have been key to our success in the war against TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Lawrence County and Lawrenceburg police officers were key to building this case through their undercover efforts to crack down on drug trafficking – and we’re glad to join local officials anywhere who encounter a TennCare connection as they work to fight crime in their communities.”

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.”