Updated 11/1/19

A Lewisburg woman is charged with fraud for allegedly selling pills which were obtained using benefits of TennCare, the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General announced the arrest of Melissa Culwell of Marshall County.

The arrest is the result of a joint effort with the Smithville Police Department, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. Culwell is charged with one count of knowingly selling drugs she obtained through the use of her boyfriend’s TennCare benefits.

“Part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to prevent people from using their TennCare benefits to sell drugs on the streets of Tennessee communities,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.

Investigators say Culwell signed for and picked up a prescription for 120 tablets of the painkiller Percocet which had been prescribed for her boyfriend. Agents say Culwell knew the pills were provided through her boyfriend’s Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Culwell subsequently admitted to selling the drugs on the street and keeping the profits for herself.

TennCare Fraud is a Class D felony and if convicted, Culwell could face penalties of up to a maximum of 12 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Robert J. Carter of Marshall County.