Fentress Co. Man Surrenders on TennCare Fraud Charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A man who eluded police for almost a year has surrendered to face charges of TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jesse Reed Jones, 38, of Jamestown.

Jones was charged in an indictment on June 5 of last year in connection with obtaining the painkiller Morphine using TennCare benefits, then selling a portion of it to an undercover informant.  Jones is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of sale of a Schedule II controlled substance.

“We hope those that are abusing the TennCare program by selling medication paid for by TennCare are getting the message that we are aggressively pursuing prosecution” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Once we receive an indictment our main goal is to ensure an arrest is made no matter how long it takes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Sale of a Schedule II controlled substance is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison per charge.   District Attorney General Jared Effler 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, 2,323 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."