Dyer Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Dyer County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs paid for by the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jennifer Trujillo, 41, of Dyersburg, after a joint investigation with Dyersburg and Dresden Police as well as the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office.

Trujillo is charged with TennCare fraud and sale of a Schedule III controlled substance.  Charges say she used TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, then selling a portion of the drugs to undercover informant.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and sale of a Schedule III controlled substance is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General C. Phillip Bivens is prosecuting.

"We´re cracking down on people using TennCare to finance their drug habit or to provide a way for users to put the drugs on the street for other drug seekers to purchase illegally," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "Local police and providers are committed to helping us eliminate prescription drug abuse, especially when TennCare is involved."

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, 2,384 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."