Benton Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Benton County woman is charged with TennCare drug fraud in nearby Montgomery County. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Aleisha L. Wagner, 31, of Holladay.

Wagner is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping – going to multiple providers in a short period of time to obtain the same or similar controlled substances. She was also charged with three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  TennCare paid for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

“This continues to be an ongoing battle with people defrauding TennCare for drugs and it’s a battle we will continue to fight,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are sending out a message across the state that the citizens of Tennessee have set forth a zero tolerance policy for TennCare fraud and abuse, and we’re aggressively enforcing it.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per year.  District Attorney General John W. Carney is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,471 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 go to https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.