Loudon Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud in Three Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Loudon County man is charged in Knox, Loudon and Blount counties with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Cody M. Graves, 21, of Lenoir City. In all three counties, Graves is accused of doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances.

In Loudon County, Graves faces seven counts of TennCare fraud in connection with doctor shopping for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Tramadol. In Blount County, he’s charged with one count of TennCare fraud involving Tramadol; and in Knox County, he faces three counts of TennCare fraud involving Hydrocodone.  

“When we’re working a case on a suspect, we sometimes have evidence about criminal activity involving more than one county, or more than one instance altogether, and indictments are handed down separately, as in this case,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We appreciate and value the hard work of the physicians across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Russell Johnson will be prosecuting the Loudon County case, District Attorney General Mike Flynn will be prosecuting the Blount County case, and District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting the Knox 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, more than 2,520 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”