Sumner County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Sumner County woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services after receiving TennCare benefits she was not eligible for. The arrest brings the total number of people arrested for TennCare fraud to 1,924 since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) began investigating and pursuing this criminal activity.

With the assistance of the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, the OIG today announced the arrest of Courtney R. Dudley, 29, of Castalian Springs. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services.

Dudley is accused of concealing material facts in order to obtain TennCare medical benefits. She’s also charged with theft of services for knowingly and feloniously obtaining services by deception, fraud, and false pretense to avoid payment for services.

“The Office of Inspector General is sending a strong message to anyone who is attempting to defraud the TennCare program – TennCare fraud is a crime and you will be prosecuted for it,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.

The TennCare fraud charge carries up to a two-year sentence, and the theft of services charge could result in a sentence up to four years.  District Attorney General Lawrence R. Whitley 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 1,900 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."