Giles Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud in Two Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Giles County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in cases in two counties in Middle Tennessee.  Both cases involve prescription drug fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Giles and Bedford County Sheriff’s Offices, today announced the arrest of Stacey Richardson, 33, of Minor Hill.  She’s charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs in both Giles and Bedford Counties.

In Giles County, Richardson is charged with four counts of doctor shopping, and in Bedford County, she is charged with two counts of doctor shopping for drugs.  In both incidents, Richardson is accused of going to multiple providers in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances, using TennCare as payment.  

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious crime, especially when public dollars are involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to protecting the integrity of the TennCare program and to aggressively pursuing this activity in TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Brent Cooper will be prosecuting the Giles County Case.  District Attorney General Robert Clark is prosecuting the Bedford County case.

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, 2,261 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."