Three People in Wayne County Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – TennCare fraud charges are lodged against three people in Wayne County, including a husband and wife, involving the sale of prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.  The arrests were the result of work by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are cracking down on people who try to subsidize illegal narcotics trafficking with taxpayer funds,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “A TennCare fraud conviction can bring hefty repercussions, and we are enforcing it to the fullest extent.”

The three arrested are:

• Douglas Mitchell, Sr., 50, of Waynesboro, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Dihydrocodeinone, a form of hydrocodone, which was paid by TennCare, while concealing the fact that he planned to sell a portion of the drugs. 
• Melissa Mitchell, 45, of Waynesboro, wife of Douglas Mitchell, Sr.  She is charged with one count of TennCare fraud for taking an active role with her spouse in the sale of the drugs to an undercover informant in exchange for money.   
• Bobby Farmer, 38, of Collinwood, charged with one count of TennCare fraud.  Farmer is accused of using TennCare to obtain a prescription for the same drug, Dihydrocodeinone, while planning to sell a portion of the prescriptions.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge 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 1,100 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."