A woman on the TennCare Fraud Most Wanted list was apprehended in Big Sandy on Monday, Aug. 8. As a part of their efforts to investigate and stop TennCare fraud, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has a list of people wanted for TennCare Fraud. As of July, there were 10 people on the OIG’s “Most Wanted” list. Monday’s arrest brings that list down to nine.
Lindsey Brooke Horner, 39, of Big Sandy, was arrested and charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services through a joint effort of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and the OIG. Horner had been at large and wanted by the OIG for more than a year.
“Ms. Horner’s arrest was significant as it allowed us to take one of our top 10 most wanted suspects off the fraud list,” said Inspector General Chad Holman. “Everyone at the OIG is grateful to our partners in local law enforcement like the BCSO for helping us locate suspects being sought for TennCare fraud.”
Allegedly Horner made claims to TennCare that her minor child was living with her, but investigators report that the child was not residing with Horner. TennCare paid more than $28,084 in fees and claims on the child’s behalf.
The TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony, and the theft of services charge is a class C felony. Outgoing District 24 Attorney General Matt Stowe is prosecuting this case.
Separate from TennCare, the OIG began in February 2005 and since then has investigated more than 130,349 potential fraud cases leading to more than $9.2 million being repaid to TennCare. To date, 3,175 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
“Our Most Wanted list is an excellent resource for the general public to provide information on the whereabouts of people that we are actively looking for,” Holman said. “Prosecution of these fraud cases helps to put money back in Tennessee’s coffers.
To solicit tips about the whereabouts of those wanted for TennCare fraud, the OIG has established a Cash for Tips Program. Those who call can get cash rewards for tips that lead to convictions. To leave a tip, call 1-800-433-3982 or visit www.tn.gov/oig and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.” To be eligible for a reward, the tip must be submitted by phone and the tipster cannot remain anonymous.
