PUTNAM CO. MAN, SHELBY CO. WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Putnam County man and a woman from Shelby County have been charged with TennCare fraud in separate incidents.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Kevin Brown, 33, of Baxter in Putnam County, after a Davidson County jury indicted him on numerous drug-related felony charges. Brown faces three counts of TennCare fraud, three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, two counts of attempted TennCare fraud and one count of attempt to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.  The indictment alleges that on three separate occasions he received a Schedule II controlled substance by fraudulent means – paid for by TennCare.   The drugs involved were the painkiller oxycodone as well as triazolam, a sleep-inducer and Adderall, a brand amphetamine.

The controlled substance fraud charges are Class D felonies and each carries a penalty of up to four years in prison.  The TennCare fraud charges are Class E felonies each carrying a penalty of up to two years in prison.  Davidson County District Attorney General Torry S. Johnson is prosecuting.

In an unrelated arrest, a Shelby County woman is charged with theft in connection with a TennCare fraud investigation.  Delois Pearson, 48, of Memphis, is accused of stealing from the State in a charge of theft of property, less than $10,000.  If convicted Pearson could receive a sentence of up to four years in prison. Shelby County District General William Gibbons will be prosecuting the case.

“There are people out there trying to game the system – not just TennCare – by misrepresenting themselves in order to have taxpayers pick up the tab for their medical services,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Seeing justice in these cases is sending a message that it won’t be tolerated in our war on TennCare fraud.”

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.”