Two in Putnam Co. Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people are charged with TennCare fraud in Putnam County in separate cases involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Cookeville Police, today announced the arrest of Mary Leitha Rodgers, 48, of Baxter and Barbara Sue Myers, 67, of Celina.

A Putnam County Grand Jury has charged Rodgers with TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone, and then selling a portion of the drug to an undercover informant.

Myers is also charged in Putnam County with two counts of TennCare fraud and four counts of sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance. The charges are in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkillers Morphine and Oxycodone, later selling a portion of both drugs to an undercover informant.

“We mean to eliminate drug resale activity in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Selling prescription drugs to other people is illegal, and intolerable when public dollars are involved.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway 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, 2,445 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.