Wilson County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Wilson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Rutherford County, where she’s accused of selling prescription drugs which were paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jennifer J. Creque, 33, of Lebanon, after a joint investigation with the Smyrna Police Department Narcotics Division.

Creque is charged with TennCare fraud after authorities say she used TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to obtain a prescription for Suboxone and sold a portion of the drugs to an undercover informant.  Suboxone is a drug used to treat people who have morphine addiction, because it mimics the opiate effect but does not have addictive qualities.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  The sale of a Schedule III controlled substance is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison.  The sale of a Schedule II controlled substance is a Class C felony, carrying a possible sentence of three to six years. District Attorney General William Whitesell, Jr. 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 1,800 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."