Campbell County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Campbell County man is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to use TennCare to pay for fraudulent prescriptions.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 42-year old James T. Poor has been charged with one count of TennCare fraud, one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud for using TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone and one count of obtaining a controlled substance, the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam.  His arrest was assisted by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. 

“This case was brought to our attention by an alert and quick-acting pharmacist,” 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. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney General William Paul Phillips 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 1,240 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."