MCMINNVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR TENNCARE DRUG FRAUDD

NASHVILLE –  A McMinnville woman has been charged with TennCare fraud for trying to get a forged prescription filled for an addictive painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 24-year old Amanda Trisler.  She is accused of knowingly presenting a forged prescription for the narcotic Hydrocodone, and trying to pay for it with her TennCare benefits.  The McMinnville Police Department assisted in the arrest.

District Attorney Jerry Estes of McMinnville will prosecute the case.  Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a maximum of four years in prison.  Illegally obtaining Tenncare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

“The taxpayers of Tennessee cannot afford the cost of fraudulent prescriptions,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We appreciate the law enforcement officials and citizens who provide us with valuable information in our efforts to identify and prosecute TennCare fraud.”

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”