Giles Co. Woman Charged 4th Time with TennCare Fraud

Wednesday, April 01, 2015 | 12:00am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Giles County woman is charged a fourth time with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 33-year old Stacey Richardson of Minor Hill. She is charged in Marshall County with fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by doctor shopping, which is the crime of going to multiple physicians in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

Richardson’s first three arrests all came in January in Giles, Maury and Bedford Counties on the same charges, as detectives were pursuing those cases concurrently.

“With today’s technology, crossing into another county to try to get prescription drugs does not prevent authorities from discovering those actions,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We will continue to pursue prosecution every time an individual attempts to defraud the TennCare program, with the intent of making it clear this crime will lead to the same outcome.” 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Robert Carter will be prosecuting the Marshall 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, 2,318 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."