seymour woman charged with tenncare drug fraud

charge: son’s tenncare used to pay for drugs

Submitted Photo

Angela D. Sharp

published: June 27 2008 11:46 PM updated:: July 01 2008 04:39 PM

A woman from Seymour is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to use TennCare to fill forged prescriptions that included the painkiller Oxycontin.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest, which is the result of a joint effort with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.

Angela D. Sharp, 34, of Seymour, has been indicted on eight counts of TennCare fraud for presenting forged prescriptions for the painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. She paid for the drugs using her two son’s TennCare benefits.

“Pharmacists across the state are becoming more and more watchful for questionable prescriptions for these addictive painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “It’s especially offensive when the attempt is made to use TennCare to finance the purchase of fraudulent prescriptions.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General James Dunn is 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 700 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million 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."