Maury County Woman Charged with Selling TennCare Drugs to Jail Inmate

NASHVILLE – A Maury County woman is charged with selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare to other inmates in the Maury County Jail.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from the Maury County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Candace L. Schultz, 38, of Spring Hill.

She is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of introduction of contraband into a penal institution.   Charges say she obtained Suboxone, an opioid used to treat heroin addiction, while planning to sell a portion of the drug to an inmate at the Maury County Jail.

“This was a collaborative effort with the Maury County Sheriff’s Department to stop TennCare drug fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “This case is outrageous and pushes the limits of the state’s zero tolerance policy.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Introduction of contraband into a penal institution is a Class C felony, carrying a sentence of up to six years.  District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

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, over 1,600 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."