NASHVILLE -- A sixth Bridgeport, Ala., adult has been arrested on TennCare fraud charges after she allegedly falsely reported residing in Tennessee to obtain benefits from the taxpayer-funded program.
The Tennessee Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Marion County, Tenn., sheriff's office today announced the arrest of Ladreamer Garrett, 27, of Bridgeport.
A Marion County indictment charges Garrett with TennCare fraud and theft of services stemming from allegedly applying for and receiving TennCare benefits for herself and her minor child by fraudulently reporting her residency to appear eligible for TennCare.
TennCare is the state's Medicaid health care program for low-income pregnant women, children and their parents or adult caretakers, the elderly and some disabled persons.
According to Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration news release, records show that a month prior to applying for TennCare, Garrett signed a lease for her Bridgeport residence where she and her child continue to live.
"Lying about one's residence in order to receive TennCare benefits is a crime," Inspector General Kim Harmon said in a statement. "We work diligently to preserve TennCare benefits for its intentional use. We welcome information of anyone abusing the system."
District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.
Tennessee officials earlier this week announced charges against five other Bridgeport adults they alleged fraudulently obtained TennCare benefits.
