Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

TWO MID-STATE RESIDENTS CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – Two mid-state residents are charged in separate cases with TennCare fraud involving prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrests of Lisa McCann, 33 of Waverly, and William E. Taylor, 27, of McEwen.  Police officers from Waverly and McEwen assisted, along with the Humphreys and Dickson County Sheriffs’ Offices.

William E. Taylor is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of forgery in an indictment accusing him of presenting a pharmacy with a forged prescription for the pain medication Lortab, using TennCare to pay for the forged prescription.

The other suspect, Lisa McCann, is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and three counts of sale of a Schedule III Drug.  Charges accuse her of acquiring the painkiller Hydrocodone, using TennCare to pay for the prescription, while privately planning to sell a portion of the pills.

TennCare fraud and forgery are both Class E felonies, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Sale of a controlled substance is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge. District Attorney Dan M. Alsobrooks is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 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."