Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

TWO SEVIER COUNTY WOMEN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE – Two women in Sevier County are charged with TennCare fraud in separate cases that both grew from a joint investigation with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Sevierville Police Department.

The two women, Jennifer Parton, 36, and Minda McCracken, 38, both of Sevierville, are each charged with two counts of TennCare fraud. 

Charges say that on two separate occasions, McCracken used her child’s TennCare benefits to pay for a prescription for the drug Adderall, which is prescribed for children with attention deficit, but has side effects that can lead to abuse among adults.

Parton is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for twice suing TennCare benefits to obtain prescriptions for the painkiller Morphine Sulfate, while planning to sell a portion of the medication.

“The Special Agents of the Office of Inspector General are working closely with local police officers all over the state especially as it pertains to case involving the illegal use or sales of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “The entire law enforcement community is clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General James Dunn is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,600 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

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.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."