3 Charged with Tenncare Fraud in Hamblen, Greene Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three people are charged separately with TennCare fraud in Greene and Hamblen Counties. All three cases involve efforts to obtain prescription pain medication, using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to pay for the drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests.  In Hamblen County, Billy Turner, 57, of Whitesburg, is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and three counts of delivery of a controlled substance. He’s accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Morphine, selling a portion of the drugs to an undercover informant. Also in Hamblen County, Jessica Keasling, 27, of Morristown is charged with TennCare fraud and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance. She’s accused of using TennCare to obtain Subutex, a drug used to treat opiate addiction, and twice selling the drug to an undercover informant.

In Greene County, Monica Shoemaker, 43, of Greenville, is charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping for prescription drugs.  In addition, she is charged with four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  In each instance, TennCare was used to pay for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

“I believe all hard working, tax-paying citizens of Tennessee have zero tolerance for TennCare fraud and abuse, especially when it comes to selling prescription drugs,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We are collaborating with law enforcement officers in all 95 Tennessee counties to lock up anyone we identify who is involved in prescription drug abuse, particularly those who misuse their TennCare benefits.”

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, 2,360 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."