Hawkins Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

A Hawkins County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Danielle Dennise Geer, 27, of Church Hill, after a joint investigation with the Church Hill Police Department and the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office.

Geer is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of intentionally selling a controlled substance, Suboxone, which she obtained using TennCare benefits.  Suboxone is a drug used to treat narcotic addiction.

"Selling prescription drugs obtained through TennCare will result in arrest, potential jail time, and loss of public healthcare insurance benefits," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "We can´t have people selling dangerous drugs to others in our community; the buyer could be our children, other family members, or neighbors."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Dan E. Armstrong is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,190 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."