Knox Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

Monday, February 02, 2015 | 12:00am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County woman is charged for a second time with doctor shopping for controlled substances, using TennCare benefits as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 26-year old Rachael Christine Presnell, also known as either Rachael Christine Hensley or Chrissy Hensley, of Knoxville.  Presnell was being held in the Bledsoe County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges when she was transported to Knox County to be served with the indictment. 

In the latest charges, Presnell is charged with two counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping for drugs, using TennCare benefits as payment.  She is also charged with two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

Presnell was first arrested by the OIG last June after an Anderson County Grand Jury charged her with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment, and with otaining a controlled substance by fraud.

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “With the help of medical providers and local law enforcement, the Office of Inspector General is sending a message that abusing TennCare will have serious repercussions.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Charme Allen is prosecuting the Knox County case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,280 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."