TennCare Fraud Arrests in Giles, Marshall Counties

NASHVILLE –  Residents of Giles and Marshall County are charged today with TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests. 

In Giles County, 45-year old Kathy L. Potts is accused of TennCare fraud for using benefits to pay for a forged prescription for the addictive painkiller Hydrocodone.   She was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  The Maury County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.

In a separate incident, Lisa A. Killen, 42, of Lewisburg, was indicted by a Giles County Grand Jury for one count of TennCare fraud for willfully making a false statement.

“With the help of local officers and healthcare providers, we are waging war on TennCare fraud of any kind, from prescription drug fraud to folks who aren’t truthful about their employment, income, or other status,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We appreciate the providers, local law enforcement officials and citizens who provide us with valuable information in our efforts to identify and prosecute TennCare fraud.” 

District Attorney General Mike Bottoms will prosecute both cases. Illegally obtaining TennCare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

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 860 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."