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Four People in Warren County Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

Released on Wed, Sep 16, 2009 - 2:54 pm under

NASHVILLE – Four people in Warren County are charged with TennCare fraud after an undercover operation.  The charges stem from individuals selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector (OIG), the McMinnville Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrests:

  • Jennie N. Pleasant, 37, of McMinnville, is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance for allegedly selling Diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication marketed years ago as Valium.  It was obtained through a physician’s visit which was paid for by TennCare.
  • Samatha Salamone, 33, of McMinnville, is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance for allegedly selling Diazepam which had been paid for by TennCare.
  • Belinda Pleasant Waggoner, 47, of McMinnville, is charged with two counts of TennCare fraud and one count of delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance fraud for allegedly selling Diazepam which had been paid for by TennCare, along with the doctor’s visit, on two separate occasions.
  • Don Baker, 53, of McMinnville, is charged with four counts of TennCare fraud for allegedly selling Diazepam and the painkiller Hydrocodone, which had been paid for by TennCare, on two separate occasions. 

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across the nation, but we have zero tolerance for this activity in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.  District Attorney General Lisa Zavagiannis is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $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, over 1,000 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 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."