Williamson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Williamson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs she obtained using TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Franklin Police Department, today announced the arrest of Vivian Elaine “Mickie” Lattimore, 64, of Franklin. She is charged with using  TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxymorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and on two separate occasions she sold a portion of the drugs to a confidential informant. Lattimore is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud.

“We’re cracking down on people using TennCare to finance their drug habit or 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.”

District Attorney General Kim R. Helper is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,845 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 visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”