Giles, Lincoln Co. Residents Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Residents of Giles and Lincoln Counties are charged with TennCare fraud in separate cases.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Giles and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrests of Kimberly Toone, 35, of Goodspring and Heather Nachelle Roberts, 38, of Elora.
A Giles County Grand Jury charged Toone with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000, accusing her of obtaining TennCare by falsely claiming her minor children as dependents, when she actually did not have primary custody of them. District Attorney General Brent Cooper will be prosecuting this case.
In Lincoln County, Heather Nachelle Roberts is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of intentionally altering a prescription for Adderall, using TennCare as payment. Adderall is used to treat attention deficit but can be abused as a stimulant. District Attorney General Robert Carter will be prosecuting.
“People are getting the message that the consequences of committing fraudulent acts to get benefits they’re not entitled to can include incarceration, repaying the state or both,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Doctors, pharmacists, all branches of law enforcement as well as other state agencies are all working together on the problem of TennCare fraud.”
TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge. Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony which carries a sentence of up to six 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, 2,914 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”