Two in Bradley Co. Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people in Bradley County are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of David Cannon, 27 and Angela Whiteside, 43, both of Cleveland.

Cannon is charged with 12 counts of TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time in order to obtain prescription drugs, and using TennCare as payment.

Angela Whiteside is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of using her daughter’s TennCare benefits to obtain the painkiller Codeine, later selling a portion of the drug.

"Local police across Tennessee have been incredibly eager to join with us in these investigations in an effort to get drug users and eventually their suppliers off the street," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "When prescription drugs are involved, local police are aggressive in working with us to determine if TennCare paid the pharmacy, the prescribing doctor, or both."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Stephen C. Crump 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, 2,334 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."