Sullivan Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Prescription Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sullivan County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs which were obtained through the state’s health care insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Sullivan County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Cortney D. Graham, 21, of Kingsport. She is accused of using her TennCare benefits to obtain Clonazepam, a drug used to control seizures and treat panic attacks, then later selling a portion during an undercover police investigation on two separate occasions.  Graham is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, two counts of sale of a Schedule IV controlled substance, two counts of delivery and one count of maintaining a dwelling where controlled substance are used or sold.

“We are working with local police and that cooperation is paying off with these kinds of arrests,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Tennessee consistently ranks high among states for prescription drug use, and we’re committed to eliminating drug fraud in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  The sale and delivery of a Schedule IV controlled substance is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Barry P. Staubus 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, 2,632 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.”