Three People in Davidson Co. Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three people are charged in separate cases of TennCare fraud, all involving efforts to obtain controlled substances by way of forgery.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of Keith Thompson, 32, and Sara Ann Walden, 34, both of Nashville and Brandy Farley, 33, of Old Hickory. All three are accused of illegally passing forged prescriptions for the painkiller Percocet, which is a brand of Oxycodone, by using a stolen prescription pad from a doctor’s office. They each also used TennCare benefits to pay for the forged prescriptions.

“We strongly believe in the mission of the TennCare program and we are committed to protecting its integrity with direct strikes on all fraud and abuse in the program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting.

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 2,516 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.”