Dyer Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Dyer County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs, which were paid for by TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Dyersburg Police Department, today announced the arrest of Courtney Lamont Williams, 32, of Dyersburg. He is charged with TennCare fraud, sale of a Schedule III controlled substance and sale of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone. Charges accuse him of using TennCare benefits to obtain Hydrocodone and selling a portion of the drug to an undercover informant within 1,000-feet of Dyersburg High School.
“We are working with municipal and county police officers across the state, as they zero in on local narcotics trafficking and allow us to go after any TennCare involvement,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Local police, providers and citizens are committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, especially when it involves public dollars.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Sale of a Scheduled III controlled substance in a drug free zone is a Class C felony which carries a sentence of up to six years in prison. Sale of a Scheduled III controlled substance is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. District Attorney General C. 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 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,374 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."