2 Loudon Co. men face TennCare fraud charges in Blount Co.
2 Loudon Co. men face TennCare fraud charges in Blount Co. Save Email Print
Posted: 5:14 PM Jan 8, 2009
Last Updated: 5:17 PM Jan 8, 2009


A | A | A

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Two Loudon County men face TennCare fraud charges in Blount County for trying to use TennCare to fill fraudulent prescriptions, according to the State of Tennessee Office of Inspector General.

The OIG says Robert L. Smith, 21, and Jonathan Smallen, 21, are both from Lenoir City.

"Smallen was charged with three counts of TennCare fraud, three counts of identity theft, one count of obtaining a schedule III drug by fraud, and two counts of obtaining a schedule II drug by fraud," according to an OIG release. "Smith was charged with one count of TennCare fraud one count of obtaining a schedule II drug by fraud and one count of identity theft."

The two allegedly tried to fill forged prescriptions for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.

“This is a great example of a pharmacy that was alert to the tactics some people will use to obtain prescription painkillers,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner says. “Tennessee pharmacies are getting more and more tuned in to the aspects of TennCare fraud, and we depend on them to help us identify these cases so we can prosecute them.”

If convicted, they could each face two years in prison.

More Stories
Recognizing signs of sexual abuse is important, help is available

Area hospitals rate fairly well in national heart failure death rate study

Roane County woman turns 107 years old

AMBER ALERT issued for missing Sevier County boy

KCSO investigating embattled KPD officers for alleged robbery

Husband charged with allegedly killing wife in Claiborne County

Officers responding to attempted burglary call arrest 2 suspects in carjacking, robbery

4 charged in Claxton shooting

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Taxpayer Location: U.S.A. on Jan 9, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Maybe we could put them up and feed them while they watch cable tv or maybe get an education at the american taxpayers expense.When do we get our bailout?

Currently
Local Radar
Radar