Giles Co. Woman Facing 5th TennCare Fraud Charge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Giles County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for the fifth time.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Stacey Richardson, 33, of Minor Hill, charged in Wayne County with three counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by doctor shopping. The charges accuse her of visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time in order to obtain prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycodone, using TennCare as payment.

Richardson’s first three arrests all came in January in Giles, Maury and Bedford Counties, her fourth arrest took place in March in Marshall County.  All arrests were 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."

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, 2,364 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."