NASHVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS OF TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Nashville man has been arrested for TennCare and prescription drug fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Matthew McCallister Wilson, 31, after he was indicted on numerous drug-related felonies.

Wilson faces seven counts of obtaining possession of controlled substances by fraud and seven counts of TennCare fraud. The indictment alleges that on several occasions Wilson used his TennCare benefits to pay for fraudulent prescriptions for narcotic painkillers.

“Prescription drug fraud and abuse is a serious public health concern and a substantial economic burden on TennCare and the taxpayers of Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “It is critical that we continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these offenses, not only to preserve the integrity of TennCare, but to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Tennessee.”

The controlled substance fraud charges are Class D felonies and each carries a penalty of up to four years in prison. The TennCare fraud charges are Class E felonies each carrying a penalty of up to two years in prison. Davidson County District Attorney General Torry S. Johnson is prosecuting.

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.”