Carroll Co. Woman Sentenced for TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN - A Carroll County woman charged with TennCare fraud has been sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to the charge.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the conviction of Jaime Denise Walker, 35, of Trezevant.  She pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and sale of a controlled substance.

Walker was ordered to serve two years for TennCare fraud concurrent with three years for sale of a controlled substance.   In addition, she was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.

Walker was charged in May 2013 with using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Oxycodone and selling a portion to a confidential informant.

“Local law enforcement officials have been invaluable in our fight against TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “By pooling resources with local officials, we are covering much more ground and making more progress in tackling  TennCare drug fraud.”

District Attorney General Hansel J. McCadams prosecuted this case

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 2,000 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."