Cannon Co. Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Cannon County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs which were paid for by the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Tony McPeake, 60, of Woodbury. He is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone and later selling a portion during an undercover police investigation. McPeake is charged with TennCare fraud and sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance.

“We are working with local police across Tennessee and it’s 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 that involves public dollars through TennCare.”

District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting.  TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

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, 2,794 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.”