RHEA COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE FRAUDNASHVILLE – A Rhea County man is charged with TennCare fraud for twice presenting forged prescriptions to a local pharmacy, and using his TennCare to pay for the drugs. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that Jeffrey Roach, 33, of Cleveland is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Governor Phil Bredesen created the OIG, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, in 2004. Since it became operational in February 2005, 259 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. Roach is accused of presenting forged prescriptions in September and October of last year for Percocet (PERK-o-set), a drug for severe pain, and paying for it with his TennCare benefits. “We are continuing to wage war on TennCare fraud so the message gets out that we are making arrests across the state,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. TennCare Fraud is a Class E Felony, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison per charge. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D Felony, which carries a penalty of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor will be prosecuting. Roach‘s bond has been recommended at $7,500.00. 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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.” |
