RUTHERFORD CO. COUPLE ARRESTED FOR TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN - Two Rutherford County residents are charged with TennCare fraud for trying to use TennCare to fill a forged prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone at a local pharmacy.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Sharia M. Hill, 25 and Eugene Cantrell, Jr., 22, both of Murfreesboro. Both face two felony charges each for fraudulently attempting to obtain TennCare medical services by altering a prescription. The Murfreesboro Police Department and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department assisted the in the arrests.

Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004. Since it became operational in February 2005, 233 people have been charged with TennCare fraud, leading to 57 convictions for TennCare fraud and 14 cases resolved.

“Thanks to the quick thinking and swift actions of a local pharmacist, we were able to stop this transaction,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Pharmacists and other providers are helping us send a message that Tennessee is committed to winning the war against TennCare fraud.”

The charges against both Hill and Cantrell are Class E felonies, punishable by up to two years in prison. District Attorney William Whitesell, Jr. will prosecute the cases.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”