Obion Co. Woman Charged in Lake County Drug Sting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Obion County woman is the fifth person charged with TennCare fraud in connection with an undercover investigation in Lake County.  The police operation involved the Office of Inspector General (OIG), 29th Judicial Drug Task Force, Tiptonville Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Christina Carr, 38, of Hornbreak is charged in Lake County after she was transported from the Obion County jail where she was being held on unrelated charges. She is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain Suboxone, a drug used to help people addicted to opioids, then on two separate occasions selling a portion of the Suboxone to an undercover informant. Carr is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud.

“It is public safety matter, because in the wrong hands, these drugs put our children at risk,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “Drugs being re-sold in this matter can endanger the people buying them, their families and everyone around them. We are committed to helping stop this activity.”

District Attorney General Danny Goodman is prosecuting.  TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 3,049 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.”