Sumner Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sumner County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs that were paid for by the state’s healthcare insurance plan.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Jessica Chantel Wilmoth, 23, of Portland, after a joint investigation with the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force.

Wilmoth is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of sale of a Schedule III controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a public park.  Charges say that on two separate occasions, she used TennCare to obtain a prescription for Buprenorphine, a drug that is used to treat opioid addiction in higher dosages and to control moderate acute pain.  Both times, she sold a portion of the drugs to an undercover agent.

“Selling prescription drugs paid for with tax dollars is illegal and inexcusable,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “The illegal sale of prescription drugs to other people is dangerous and can ultimately result in a lethal outcome.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Lawrence Ray Whitley is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,296 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."