Sumner Co. Woman Must Repay TennCare After Fraud Conviction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sumner County woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping for drugs, which involves going to multiple doctors in a 30-day period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced sentencing for Leann J. Torres, 28, of Gallatin, who pleaded guilty to four counts of TennCare fraud. She must make restitution to TennCare in the amount of $4,786.69. Torres also entered Judicial Diversion for four years, which allows first-time offenders to avoid jail time and have the record destroyed after four years of probation and making restitution. District Attorney General Lawrence R. Whitley prosecuted this case.

Torres was indicted in February of this year in both Sumner and Wilson Counties for TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping. The Wilson County charges haven’t been resolved, but she’s scheduled to appear in criminal court on May 31, 2016, to answer to charges of TennCare fraud and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

“We are working hard to gather solid evidence and press charges against anyone misusing TennCare,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “People are getting the message that Tennessee is pursuing TennCare fraud with a full court press.”

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, 2,625 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”