Two Women Charged with TennCare Fraud in Shelby County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two women are charged in Shelby County in separate TennCare fraud cases; one of the women lives in Mississippi.  

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Tatiana Wilkins, 28, of Robinsonville, Mississippi and Sharia Scurlock, 37, of Memphis.

Wilkins is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000. Officials say evidence shows she was living and working in Mississippi, and aside from living out of state, her earnings were above the threshold to qualify for TennCare benefits.

In the other case, Sharia Scurlock is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property over $1,000 in connection with falsely reporting her income to the state in order to obtain TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.

“It’s a simple message that we are carrying across the state: if you lie, cheat or steal to get TennCare benefits, you risk felony prosecution,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and they’re taking from all the taxpayers of Tennessee.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Theft of property over $1,000 is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.  Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable by up to six years in prison.  District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,512 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 go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”