Scott County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Scott County man is charged with TennCare fraud, accused of selling prescription drugs obtained through TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of John Graville Huckeby, Jr., 60, of Robbins. He is charged with one count of TennCare fraud for using TennCare to obtain Endocet, a form of the painkiller oxycodone, while intending to sell a portion of the drugs.  The Scott County Sheriff’s Office assisted the OIG in this arrest.

“The abuse of TennCare benefits may have been easy to get by with years ago, but those days are history,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Local police departments, sheriffs’ officers, pharmacies and other providers are all working together in the fight against TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. 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."