Lawrence County Woman Convicted of TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Lawrence County woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that Jacqueline J. Perkins, 48, of Lawrenceburg, pleaded guilty to one count of felony TennCare fraud and two counts of sale of a controlled substance.  

The charges against Perkins accuse her of using TennCare to obtain prescriptions for the pain-relieving hallucinogenic drug morphine, concealing her plan to sell a portion of the pills.  She pleaded guilty to all three charges and the court sentenced her to twelve years probation, with a $4,000 fine.  District Attorney General Mike Bottoms prosecuted this case.

"We are working hard to seek charges against anyone we find misusing TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “People are getting the message that the OIG is going after TennCare fraud with a full court approach."

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 920 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."