Franklin Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud in Franklin, Coffee Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Franklin County man is charged in two counties with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Charles Jackson, 44, of Winchester. He’s charged in both Franklin and Coffee Counties with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

Jackson is charged in Franklin County with two counts of doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment. He was transferred there from Coffee County, where he’s been held for over a month on one count of doctor shopping for drugs. In both counties, TennCare paid for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a problem all communities are battling, and we are working cases just like this one across the state,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to ensuring that TennCare benefits are not abused in this manner.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Craig Northcott is prosecuting the Coffee County case. District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor will be prosecuting the Franklin County case.

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, 2,491 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.