SNEEDVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A Hancock Co. woman is facing two counts of TennCare Fraud for allegedly selling prescription drugs partially paid for through the program, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced on Friday. Leora C. Collins, 40, is accused of twice using the state health care program to purchase Buprenorphine, which is used to treat addictions to drugs like morphine and heroin, and then turning around and selling a portion of it.

“These types of drugs have their place in medical treatment, but not on the ‘street’ where anyone can purchase them,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re committed to eliminating this abuse and misuse of the TennCare program.”

Collins was arrested following a joint investigation between the OIG and the Hancock Co. Sheriff's Office. The OIG explained the charges Class E felonies which carry a sentence of up to two years in prison for each charge.