Four Davidson County Residents Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – Four Davidson County residents have been charged with TennCare fraud, all accused of selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Metro Nashville Police Department today announced the arrests:  

- Freida A. Robinson, 42, of Nashville, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for using TennCare to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone by means of fraud;

- Jeffrey Hoover, 38, of Hermitage, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for using TennCare to obtain a prescription of the painkiller Hydrocodone, selling a portion to an undercover agent;

- Kenya Lang, 33, of Nashville, charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of selling a controlled substance for using TennCare to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone, selling a portion to an undercover agent;

- Juanita Lang, 50, of Nashville, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of sale of a controlled substance, for obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Morphine and a prescription version of Tylenol, using TennCare to pay for the drugs, then selling a portion of the medication to an undercover agent. 

“Having access to prescription drugs is an important benefit for all of us, but abusing the privilege of having access through the TennCare program won’t be tolerated,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “This is a serious crime, we are prosecuting those we have evidence against, and the penalties include jail time, fines and penalties, and having to repay the state for the benefits.” 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson is prosecuting these cases. 

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 810 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures.  
 

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 www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."