McMinn Couple Accused of TennCare Fraud

A McMinn County couple is charged with fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs in Cumberland County through TennCare, with the intent to resell the medication.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 38-year old Charles Steve Hyatt and his wife Rachel, 33, both of Etowah. They were arrested with the assistance of the Etowah Police Department and the McMinn County Sheriff's Office.

The Hyatts are both charged with fraudulently obtaining prescriptions for the painkillers Endocet and Oxycodone with the intent of selling at least a portion of the medication and using TennCare to pay for the drugs.

"We're committed to winning the war against TennCare fraud - and prescription drug abuse is no longer tolerated in the program," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "Enrollees who participate in selling drugs paid for by TennCare - and those who buy them - should understand this is a serious crime we intend to prosecute."

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Acting District Attorney General Anthony J. Craighead will be prosecuting.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 675 individuals for TennCare fraud, with over $700,000 paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $75 million, according to latest figures.

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 TennCare Fraud."