Smith, Wilson Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud

Thursday, April 23, 2015 | 12:00am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Residents of Smith and Wilson Counties are charged with TennCare fraud in three separate cases, all involving the sale of prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of Sheriff’s officers in Smith and Wilson Counties today announced the arrests:

  • Jimmy W. Gulley, 58, of Dixon Springs, charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling a portion of a prescription for the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam, after using TennCare benefits to pay the doctor’s office where he obtained it.  
  • Gary Charles Boatwright, Jr., 44, of Elmwood, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Morphine and selling a portion of the drugs on two separate occasions.
  • Bronson W. Roberts, 41, of Lebanon, charged with TennCare fraud in connection with using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone and later selling a portion of the prescription.

“We have zero tolerance for people who use TennCare to support prescription drug abuse or selling controlled substances to other people,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Local law enforcement agencies are working hard in their communities to help us in our fight against TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson, Jr., will be prosecuting all three cases.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,343 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."