Hickman Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Hickman County woman is charged in with TennCare fraud in Dickson County.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Missy Brooks Coleman, 34, of Nunnely, after a joint investigation with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force.

Coleman is charged with TennCare fraud, sale of a Schedule II controlled substance and sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.  An indictment accuses her of obtaining the painkiller Morphine, using TennCare as payment, and then selling a portion of the drug to an undercover informant.

“Selling prescription drugs to other people is illegal, dangerous and intolerable when tax dollars are involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “With the Tennessee Legislature’s help, we’ve been able to strengthen laws and penalties involving drug fraud in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  The sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance is a Class C felony, punishable by three to six years in prison and the sale of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school zone is a Class B felony punishable by up to twelve years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Ray Crouch, Jr., 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, 2,228 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."