Tennessee Woman Living in Florida Faces Sixth Round of TennCare Fraud Charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Ocala, Florida woman is now facing her sixth round of TennCare fraud charges.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Desiree McIntyre, 29, of Ocala, Florida. She is charged in Sullivan County, Tennessee, with three counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping, which involves using TennCare to visit multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs. She was living in Tennessee at the time of the alleged incidents.

McIntyre was indicted in Cocke and Davidson Counties in October and November 2017, when she was accused of doctor shopping for Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Hydromorphone, which is another strong pain medication sometimes sold as the brand drug Dilaudid.

McIntyre’s first three arrests occurred in May, July and August of 2012, in Cocke, Sevier and Hamblen Counties, resulting from simultaneous investigations. Those charges involved doctor shopping for Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, using TennCare as payment.

McIntyre has since pled guilty in her first three arrests; she was ordered to serve one year in the Hamblen County Jail and must pay restitution in the amount of $2,697.00.

“Obtaining prescription drugs illegally utilizing TennCare benefits will not be tolerated,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the local law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers across the state working together to fight the opioid epidemic in Tennessee.”

District Attorney General Barry Staubus is prosecuting the Sullivan County case. 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, 3,054 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.”