Sumner Co. Man Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sumner County man is charged for the second time with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 30-year old James Jeffrey Bond, of Gallatin.  An indictment in Sumner County accuses him of three counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by “doctor shopping,” or going to several doctors in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances.  The drugs involved were all painkillers - Tramadol, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.  TennCare paid for the either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

Bond was on probation from the previous charge in Sumner County when he was arrested on the new charges, and his parole was revoked.  His previous arrest was in September of last year, when he was charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance in connection with doctor shopping for Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “With the help of providers and local law enforcement, we’re pursuing these cases across the state, and people who are repeat offenders can lose probation and risk stronger sentences.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. 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 $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,209 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."