Davidson Woman Charged for 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – After being on the run for the past year, a Davidson County woman has been arrested for TennCare prescription fraud for a second time.

he Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from the Metro Nashville Police Department today announced the arrest of Freida Davis Robinson, 45, of Nashville.

A Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Robinson in July of last year, charging her with one count of attempted TennCare fraud and one count of attempting to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  The drug involved was the painkiller Lortab.

It’s Robinson’s second arrest by the OIG.  On October 15, 2008, she was charged with one count of TennCare fraud for fraudulently obtaining the painkiller Hydrocodone and using TennCare to pay for the drug.  She pleaded guilty to one count of TennCare fraud November 20, 2008 and was placed on probation for 4 years

Attempted TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney Victor “Tory” S. Johnson 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."