Two Jefferson County Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people in Jefferson County are charged in separate cases involving TennCare prescription drug fraud.  

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of Brenda Sue Denton, 51, and Richard Blaine Cram, Jr., 54, both of Jefferson City, after a joint investigation with the Jefferson City Police Department.

Denton is charged in connection with using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Morphine, and then selling a portion of the drug to an undercover informant.

Cram is charged with TennCare fraud in a similar charge accusing him of using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone, and then selling a portion of the drug to an undercover informant.

“We mean to eliminate drug resale activity in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “Selling prescription drugs to other people is illegal, and intolerable when public dollars are involved.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General James B. Dunn is prosecuting.

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, 2,346 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."