MEMPHIS WOMAN FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES
FOR TENNCARE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – June 2, 2005 - A Memphis woman has been charged with 31 counts of TennCare fraud, identity theft, prescription drug fraud, forgery and theft of services. The Office of TennCare Inspector General (OIG) and the Shelby County District Attorney General today announced the arrest of 49-year-old Cheryl Worthey, also known as Cheryl Worthy. She was arrested in Memphis by Sheriff’s Deputies after indictments were returned by the Shelby County Grand Jury.

Worthey faces two counts of TennCare fraud alleging that between March 2004 and April 2005, she obtained or attempted to obtain TennCare medical assistance benefits by making false representations, statements or impersonations, or by concealing facts. Worthey was indicted on five counts of identity theft for allegedly using the DEA numbers of five different doctors with the intent to obtain controlled substances.

The indictment also contains 18 counts of obtaining or attempting to obtain narcotics by fraud for allegedly presenting pharmacies in Memphis with false prescriptions for the addictive painkiller Lortab. Worthey also faces 5 counts of forgery, for allegedly writing or altering prescriptions for controlled substances with the intent to defraud. A theft of property charge is also lodged against Worthey for receiving TennCare benefits she was not entitled to.

“To date, this is the largest indictment issued as a result of one of our investigations,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “It is the product of close cooperation between our office and the Fraud and Economic Crimes Unit of the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. General Gibbons and his assistants have shown a strong commitment to prosecuting TennCare fraud.”

“It is especially disturbing when someone abuses a program such as TennCare, which is designed to assist those most in need and which is paid for by the taxpayers,” Gibbons said. “We will continue to work with the Inspector General’s Office to hold those who abuse the TennCare program accountable,” he added.

Worthey remains in custody with her bond set at $50,000.

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.”

TennCare is the state’s managed care health insurance program for 1.3 million people who are poor, disabled or uninsured.