Two Coffee County Residents Charged With TennCare Fraud

Monday, August 31, 2015 | 02:27pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people are charged with TennCare fraud in separate incidents, both involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests after a joint effort with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. Both individuals were involved in the sale of prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The two arrested are:

Wilford Frankenberry, 58, of Manchester, charged with TennCare fraud in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone, later selling a portion of the drugs.
Samantha Walden, 48, of Tullahoma, charged with TennCare fraud in connection with using TennCare to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone, later selling a portion of the drugs.

“We dedicate much of our time and resources tracking tips and participating in undercover operations to stop people who are using TennCare to finance prescription drug trafficking, at the expense of the taxpayers,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

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, 2,441 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 .