Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in nearby Rutherford County in an indictment involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of 37-year old Marnetia Woods of Nashville. She is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

The charges against Woods accuse her of fraudulently obtaining prescriptions that were authorized for another person on three separate occasions, and using the person’s TennCare benefits card to pay for the prescriptions. The drug involved was the painkiller Oxycodone.

“Prescription drug abuse has become a bigger problem across the nation, and in Tennessee, doctors and pharmacists have become more attuned to the crime,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are closely watching prescription activity in TennCare, especially when it comes to controlled substances.”

Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a maximum of four years per charge in prison. Illegally obtaining TennCare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones will prosecute.

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, 2,225 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."