Davidson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is accused of aiding and abetting her son’s girlfriend in order to acquire fraudulent controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Metro Nashville Police Department, today announced the arrest of Marilyn Yvonne Waffird, 51, of Madison. 

Waffird is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud, as well as fraudulently obtaining possession of the strong painkillers Morphine and Oxycodone.  The charges say she aided and abetted another woman, Brenda Gail Cameron, to fraudulently obtain the drugs through TennCare.

“Prescription drug abuse is not acceptable in our communities, especially when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We’re pursuing these cases across the state in an effort to week out prescription drug fraud in the TennCare program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney Victor “Tory” S. Johnson 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 1,700 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."