Coffee County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Coffee County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Manchester Police Department, today announced the arrest of Valerie Diane Prince, 44, of Summitville.  An indictment accuses Prince of TennCare fraud in connection with selling the painkiller Hydrocodone, a Schedule III controlled substance, which was obtained using TennCare benefits.

“The Manchester Police Department laid the groundwork for this case before we joined in the investigation, and that’s the kind of cooperation we’re building statewide,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Local officers are usually the first point of contact with those who are committing TennCare fraud, and they want to get it off the streets as badly as we do.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Craig Northcott 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, 2,476 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.