Lawrence County Resident Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Lawrence County resident has been charged with TennCare fraud in relation to prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that Amber Brant, 30, of Lawrenceburg, has been charged with TennCare fraud for using TennCare to pay for fraudulent prescriptions for the painkillers Dilaudid and Morphine. Brant was indicted by a Lawrence County Grand Jury on one count of TennCare fraud and one count of obtaining controlled substance by fraud.

“This case was brought to our attention by the Lawrenceburg Police Department,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “They are often the first to encounter a person who has committed TennCare fraud, and their cooperation is helping us wage war against TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison and obtaining controlled substance by fraud is a Class D Felony with up to 4 years in prison. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,050 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."