Feds contact TennCare; focus of probe unclear

CHATTANOOGA - The Bureau of TennCare has been contacted by state and federal investigators, but officials aren't elaborating on what's being probed.

"While we have reason to believe TennCare is not the focal point, the bureau has been contacted by the TBI and FBI," spokeswoman Marilyn Elam told the Chattanooga Times Free Press on Thursday. "We are fully cooperating with their investigation."

A federal grand jury has been looking into the relationship between former Sen. John Ford and TennCare contractors Doral Dental and Omnicare. Earlier this year, the Memphis Democrat triggered a legislative review when it was discovered the companies paid him $1.1 million and $420,000 respectively in consulting fees, according to records.

TennCare contractors were forbidden by state regulations from paying Tennessee officials.

Ford later resigned his Senate seat after he was indicted in an FBI public corruption sting called Tennessee Waltz.

Agents set up a bogus company and allegedly paid bribes to lawmakers for favorable action on legislation dealing with a computer equipment recycling contract.

Including Ford, the sting has led to indictments against five current or former lawmakers, two so-called "bag men" and two county commissioners.

Elam said she couldn't discuss the TennCare investigation because of a state law that relates to confidentiality of TBI investigative records.

About four years ago, Rep. Frank Buck, D-Dowelltown, said he and a colleague, Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, raised concerns with the FBI about lawmakers having secret consulting contracts with _TennCare contractors.

Any of the Memphis Fords could be indicted, convicted, and imprisoned, and still carry Shelby County in the next election.

That's because their main constituency is comprised of criminals just like them.

2 posted on 10/01/2005 6:14:29 PM PDT by Blood of Tyrants (G-d is not a Republican. But Satan is definitely a Democrat.)

I hate those medical probes. I got one of those in Tennessee once from aliens and it totally spoiled my moonshine buzz.

Never truer words have any one spoken. I hope his troubles just keep mounting. His sister was sworn in to office a couple of days ago. Roland is still contesting the vote count. Rep lois deberry is now being looked at under TN Waltz. I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop on those rumors indictments.

4 posted on 10/02/2005 3:51:27 AM PDT by GailA (Glory be to GOD and his only son Jesus.)

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