A former Pickett County man pled guilty to TennCare fraud in connection with filling about a dozen forged prescriptions for painkillers and other drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) last week announced the conviction of Gary Lynn Garrett, 49, of Tyler, Texas. He pled guilty to 11 counts of TennCare fraud for filling forged prescriptions for the painkiller Oxycontin, as well as Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, and Phenergan, a stomach medication often used with painkillers. The drugs were paid for with healthcare insurance benefits from TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program.

Garrett was found living in Tyler, Texas, recently after failing to appear on the charges in Overton County on January 11, 2008, at which point a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was apprehended and extradited with the assistance of the Smith County, Texas Adult Probation Office and the Overton County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are working diligently to stop the abuse of the TennCare program–especially in the area of prescription drugs,” said Inspector General Deborah Faulkner. “We are pursuing prescription cases across the state and will prosecute anyone who is abusing the TennCare program.”

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, over 1,900 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.”

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The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s case against the former executive director of the Upper Cumberland Development District resulted in a grand jury indictment against her for taking money from the Upper Cumberland Development District to use toward the Living the Dream home, a home built as an independent living home for middle income seniors in Putnam County.

Wendy Askins, 52, of Cookeville, was indicted by the Putnam County Grand Jury on one count of money laundering and one count of forgery.

While employed as the executive director, Askins inserted into the February 16, 2010 Upper Cumberland Development District board meeting minutes a paragraph stating that $300,000 was to be transferred to the Cumberland Regional Development District for an independent living home. TBI’s investigation revealed that the transfer of funds was never discussed at the meeting.

Askins transferred $300,000 out of the Upper Cumberland Development District account and used the money for the Living the Dream home. The home was built to provide an independent living environment to middle income seniors in the area. Although Askins had a residence in Putnam County, she and her daughter used the Living the Dream home as their primary residence.

TBI investigated the case with the Office of the Attorney General and the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.

The UCDD employed Askins as its executive director for 17 years prior to her being released from the position. Askins turned herself in on the charges at the Putnam County Jail and was released on a $25,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 12, 2013.

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State Representative Jeff Hoover of Jamestown and State Senator Sara Beth Gregory of Monticello visited the Russell County Public Library on Monday afternoon, October 7, meeting with patrons and reading to the children there for the library’s popular “Story Hour.”

The meet and greet in Jamestown was an opportunity for library users to spend a few minutes with elected state legislators and tell them how important their public library is to them.

Around two dozen library staff and patrons discussed a variety of topics with Rep. Hoover and Sen. Gregory before the event ended.

“The past two years there has been a big push for the friends of Kentucky Public Libraries and it is to just get the word out to the community about all of the great things that the library does for them,” said Library Director Lindsey Westerfield. “More importantly, today was to remind and refresh the memories of our elected leaders in Frankfort. They ultimately make choices and decisions that impact our library and will impact our public.”

Westerfield said she was extremely appreciative of Rep. Hoover and Sen. Gregory for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come and see the library, meet the patrons, talk with library staff and get themselves reenergized about the library.

“I’m here to show support to the library and the staff and the wonderful job they do in our community of providing opportunities, not only to adults but to young people,” Rep. Hoover said. “They do a tremendous service to our community.”

Senator Gregory echoed these statements, saying as a new senator to the area, it provided her an opportunity to get to know the library staff as well as meet patrons and hear their concerns.

“I’m a big supporter of public libraries,” Sen. Gregory said. “I was fortunate as a child to have a grandmother who took me frequently to the public library and I appreciate what they do for our communities and it was a good chance to come out and show that support today.”

Westerfield then talked a moment about where the library stands in terms of building a new facility that has been in the works for some time.

“We own the property next to the Dollar Market in Jamestown and right now we’re focused completely on funding,” she said. “We want to have money ready and prepared to make that kind of investment.”

She said building a new library is an investment for an entire generation.

“We’ve been in this building since the ‘60s and we plan on being in a new building another 50-something years,” Westerfield said. “We’re working with our patrons and our leaders in Frankfort to remind them of our need so we can work toward the finances needed to make that building happen.”

Westerfield said they would love and welcome any support in the form of donations from patrons and that the library is always looking at grant opportunities but their main focus right now is on attaining state funding from Frankfort.

“There is a grass roots organization of librarians across the state that are lobbying our legislators in Frankfort for money allocated to construction,” she said.

For more information on how you can help, call the library at 1-270-343-3545.