Two Charged with TennCare Fraud in Robertson Co. Roundup

NASHVILLE, TN - TennCare fraud charges are lodged against two people in a Robertson County roundup stemming from an undercover investigation involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests involving TennCare fraud:

• Desiree Elizabeth Jernigan, 29, of Greenbrier, charged with TennCare fraud, along with sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance.  She’s accused of using TennCare to obtain a prescription for Adderall, an anti-anxiety medication, and selling a portion to an undercover agent. She was also charged with sale and delivery of Clonazepam, another anti-anxiety medication, which she obtained through means other than TennCare.
• Leo Hugh Rose, 55, of Adams, charged with TennCare fraud, as well as sale and deliver of a controlled substance for using TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone, and later selling it to an undercover agent.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General John W. Carney will be prosecuting these cases.

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."