Sevier County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sevier County man is charged in Hamblen County with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using the state’s healthcare insurance program to obtain multiple prescriptions for drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Sevierville police and PSI private services, today announced the arrest of Bobby J. Ogle, Jr., 29, of Sevierville.  He is charged with four counts of using TennCare to doctor shop for drugs and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a crime and we’re intensely working to eliminate in TennCare,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to ensuring that TennCare benefits are used for legitimate medical purposes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, carrying a sentence of up to four years in prison if convicted. 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, 2,203 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."