Hardin County Trio Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE – Three Hardin County residents are charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of 20-year old Jasmine C. Lindsay, 52-year old Blair V. Peckham, and 41-year old Tina M. Parrott, all from Savannah. The arrests are the result of a joint effort with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Savannah Police Department.

Lindsay is charged with one count of selling the painkiller Hydrocodone and two counts of selling Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication.  The drugs had been paid for by TennCare.

Peckham is charged with one count of TennCare Fraud for fraudulently obtaining the strong addictive painkiller morphine, which was paid for with TennCare benefits.

Parrott is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of selling the painkiller Hydrocodone, which was paid for by TennCare.

“There’s been too much of this going on in Tennessee, and especially in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “With the tools Governor Bredesen and the General Assembly have given us over the years, we are stronger than ever in our mission to end this crime in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Hansel McCadams 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."