Hamblen Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Hamblen County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for using the program to pay for a fraudulent prescription.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Morristown Police Department, today announced the arrest of Jacqueline N. McCravey, 26, of Morristown.

McCravey is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment that says she took a forged prescription for the painkiller Lortab to a Hamblen County pharmacy.

“Prescription drug fraud is a crime that more communities, providers and local police are committed to eliminating,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We are committed to pursuing any case where public dollars are involved in prescription drug fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General C. Berkeley Bell 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."