Three Hardin County residents charged with TennCare fraud
March 21– Three Hardin County residents are charged with TennCare fraud in connection with the sale of prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.
The state Office of Inspector General on Friday announced the arrests of 20-year-old Jasmine C. Lindsay, 52-year-old Blair V. Peckham, and 41-year-old Tina M. Parrott, all of Savannah.
The arrests arrests are the result of a joint effort with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Department and the Savannah Police Department, according to the OIG.
Lindsay is charged with one count of selling the painkiller hydrocodone and two counts of selling Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication. The drugs had been paid for by TennCare.
Peckham is charged with one count of TennCare Fraud for fraudulently obtaining the strong addictive painkiller morphine, which was paid for with TennCare benefits.
Parrott is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of selling hydrocodone paid for by TennCare.
"There’s been too much of this going on in Tennessee, and especially in the TennCare program," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "With the tools Governor Bredesen and the General Assembly have given us over the years, we are stronger than ever in our mission to end this crime in TennCare."
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney Gen. Hansel McCadams is prosecuting.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to in excess of $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, more than 1,100 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to .
Trooper indicted on sex, official misconduct charges
March 19– A former state trooper who patrolled Hardin County has been indicted on three counts each of aggravated sexual battery and official misconduct.
Jimmy Lambert, 56, was fired by the Tennessee Department of Safety last December, The Courier first reported.
A Tennessee Highway Patrol officer since July 1997, he had been placed on administrative leave on Nov. 16, 2009 pending an internal investigation, according to safety department Public Affairs Director Mike Browning.
The Hardin County grand jury’s six-count indictment was made public today.
The claim is that Lambert did intentionally, knowingly and forcibly, while either armed or with an object leading the victim to believe he had a semi-automatic handgun, touch the breasts or genital area of two women.
The incident occurred on or around Nov. 1, 2009, the date cited on two of the official misconduct counts.
Read more: Trooper indicted on sex, official misconduct charges
Blackburn hosting March 19 jobs fair
March 18– A jobs fair will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Henderson at the Freed Hardeman University Sports Center's auxiliary gym.
The event hosted by Congressman Marsha Blackburn is an effort to match job seekers with potential employers.
Participating companies have the opportunity to set up booths and speak on the specifics of their industry and possible opportunities for job seekers.
"Certainly times are tough all over these days, but here in Tennessee’s 7th District we have a competitive advantage. The 7th District mixes world class talent with some of America’s most innovative companies," Blackburn said.
The following companies are among those registered to participate in Friday’s jobs fair:
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