Dyer County Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Dyer County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs which were paid for by the state’s Medicaid program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Latoya Renee Nolen, 28, of Dyersburg, after a joint investigation with the Dyersburg Police Department.

She is charged with TennCare fraud for unlawfully selling and delivering the controlled substance, Hydrocodone, a strong painkiller, which was obtained through TennCare.

“An arrest for TennCare drug fraud goes beyond the prosecution of one person or one instance,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “Even more so, each arrest stops a potential cycle, which saves money and interrupts distribution.”

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

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 2,000 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."