Sumner Co. Woman Charged with 17 Counts of TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Sumner County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs, after eluding authorities for seven months.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 27-year old Laci M. Grogan, who also used the name Laci M. Griffin, of Hendersonville.  The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.   Grogan is charged with 17 counts of TennCare fraud and seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

An indictment says Grogan presented forged prescriptions for drugs at a local pharmacy, using TennCare to pay for them.  The drugs included the painkiller Hydrocodone; an acid reflux drug called Dexilant; Promethazine, which is an antihistamine with strong sedative properties; Prednisolone, which is a steroid; and, Sertraline, the generic medicine for the anti-depressant Zoloft. 

“We are going after prescription drug abuse in TennCare with all resources,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “The Legislature has given us valuable tools and authority to investigate and help prosecute these cases.”

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, punishable by two to four years in prison per charge. 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 $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, 2,095 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."