Putnam Co. Couple Charged in TennCare Drug Fraud Scheme

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Putnam County man and woman are charged in an attempt to sell prescription drugs acquired through TennCare healthcare insurance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Cookeville Police Department, today announced the arrest of Jeffrey Lynn Bradshaw and his wife Wendy Michelle Bradshaw, both of Cookeville.

A Putnam County Grand Jury indicted the couple on charges of TennCare fraud. The indictment alleges that Wendy Bradshaw obtained a prescription for the painkiller Oxycodone in a visit to a healthcare provider with a plan for Jeffrey Bradshaw to then sell a portion of the drugs.

“Obtaining prescriptions by using TennCare benefits and then selling the drugs to others is a crime that endangers us all – as well as our communities,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “We appreciate local law enforcement and health care providers who collaborate with us in our efforts to preserve TennCare benefits for people truly in need.”

District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway 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, 3,043 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.”