Obion Co. Woman Charged, Convicted of TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Obion County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs she obtained using TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the charges and conviction of Angela Lebron, 27, of Union City.  She was accused of  using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone and later selling a portion of the drugs. Lebron pleaded guilty to criminal information and was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail followed by two years of probation.

“Obtaining prescriptions with TennCare benefits and then selling the drugs is a crime that endangers all of us.” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We appreciate local law enforcement and healthcare providers who collaborate with us in our efforts to preserve TennCare benefits.”

District Attorney General Thomas A. Thomas is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

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, 3,035 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 log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”