Williamson Co. Woman Charged with Murder, TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN - A Williamson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud, relating to the reckless distribution of the painkiller Oxycodone, which apparently caused the death of another person.  The drug was paid for using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Frances Kay Lane, also known as Frances Mangrum.   She is charged in an indictment with TennCare fraud, second degree murder, and reckless homicide.  Mangrum turned herself in at the Williamson County jail.

The indictment says Mangrum used TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for Oxycodone.  TennCare paid for the physician visit where she obtained the prescription. According to the indictment, Mangrum either intentionally or recklessly distributed the Oxycodone, which was the proximate cause of the death of another person.

“Certain prescription drugs are classified as controlled substances because they have a dangerous potential for abuse and addiction,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “This particular case had a tragic ending due to the misuse of a dangerous drug.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Second degree murder is a Class A felony punishable by fifteen to twenty-five years in prison.  Reckless homicide is a Class D felony carrying a sentence of two to four years in prison.   District Attorney General Kim Helper 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."