Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

MONTGOMERY COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Montgomery County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Dickson County in a case involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jessica Lynn Perry, 24, of Southside.  She’s charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. The charges say she used TennCare to pay for a fraudulent prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone.

Tennessee has zero tolerance for abuse of TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We’re especially focused on prescription drug fraud in TennCare.”

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, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General Dan M. Alsobrooks is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,600 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."