Coffee County Woman Sentenced to Prison for TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Coffee County woman has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to TennCare fraud and selling prescription drugs obtained through TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the sentencing and plea of Amber N. Conn, 24, of Manchester.  She was arrested April, 2010, for selling the painkiller Hydrocodone and using TennCare benefits to pay for the prescription.

Conn was sentenced to two consecutive two-year terms, a total of four years in prison after pleading guilty in Coffee Circuit Court to one count of TennCare fraud and one count of sale of a controlled substance.  She was also fined a total of $5,000 for the charges.

“Abusing TennCare benefits carries serious consequences, and should be noted by anyone considering the use of the program in this or any other way,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Local law enforcement, pharmacists, and other medical providers are all working together to stop TennCare fraud.”

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 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."