On Friday, December 27, 2013, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office recieved a referral from the Department of Child Services of a possible sexual assalt that had occured in Marshall County on December 20th. An investigation was conducted by Detective Bob Johnson and Tony Nichols, as a result of the investiigation, 43 year old Michael Keith Hatten of 1611 Christie Ave, Chapel Hill, was arrested on charges of sexual battery by an authority figure and contributing to the delinquance of a 16 year old minor. Mr. Hatten was arrested and tranported to the Marshall County Jail. Mr. Hatten’s Bond is set at $8,500.00 and his court date is set for January 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in General Sessions Court.
Marshall County Woman Charged With Tenncare Fraud
NASHVILLE, TN – A Marshall County woman is charged with TennCare fraud after receiving healthcare insurance benefits through the state’s Medicaid managed care program, even though she was not eligible for benefits.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the charges against Gena Leigh Garton, 33, of Chapel Hill. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services. Marshall County Sheriff’s Officers made the arrest.
The charge against Garton accuses her of receiving TennCare benefits for a year by fraudulently failing to disclose employment income to the state which would have made her ineligible for TennCare benefits.
The TennCare fraud charge carries up to a two-year sentence, and the theft of services charge could result in a sentence of up to 4 years. District Attorney General Robert Carter is prosecuting.
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 2,000 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.”
TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL SEEKS PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is releasing the identity and a photo of the man whose body was found early Christmas morning on Interstate-40 in Roane County.
THP Criminal Investigators have identified the man as Brian William Taylor of Heath Springs, South Carolina. Taylor is described as a white a male, 42 years of age, wearing blue jeans, a blue and white checked flannel type shirt, and tan work boots. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating every possible scenario, including foul play.
On December 25 at 2:29 a.m., THP dispatchers received a call that a body of a white male was found on the eastbound lanes of I-40 at mile marker 364. The preliminary investigation indicated the man either jumped or fell from a moving vehicle and his body was then struck by at least one other vehicle.
Citizens with any knowledge of Mr. Taylor, or who have any information that may assist with this investigation, are urged to contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol Knoxville District Headquarters at 865-594-5800.
This incident remains under investigation. As additional information is received, it will be released to the media.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.
Flu Activity Increases in Tennessee
H1N1 is Primary Strain Now Circulating
With flu activity on the rise across the state, doctors are urging residents to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. Dr. Tim Jones with the Tennessee Department of Health says the primary strain they’re seeing now is the H-1-N-1 that emerged in 2009 and 2010.
Jones says the H-1-N-1 strain is among those covered with this year’s flu vaccine. It is recommended for everyone ages six months and older and doctors say it’s especially important for those who have regular contact with high-risk populations. That includes pregnant women, people with chronic health problems, young children and the elderly.
5,900 Tennessee Tax Preparers Must Renew Their PTINs for 2014
AL/TN-2013-38TN, Dec. 26, 2013
NASHVILLE — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded professional tax return preparers to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) if they plan to prepare returns in 2014. Current PTINs expire Dec. 31, 2013.
Out of about 12,000 Tennessee tax preparers who have PTINs, more than 5,900 have not yet renewed.
Anyone who prepares or helps prepare all or substantially all of a federal tax return, claim for refund or other federal forms for compensation must have a valid PTIN. All enrolled agents also must have a PTIN. Tax professionals can obtain or renew their PTINs at www.irs.gov/ptin.
The annual PTIN requirement is part of the IRS’s ongoing effort to enhance tax administration and improve services to taxpayers.
There are approximately 700,000 tax preparers nationwide with 2013 PTINs. More than 400,000 have already renewed their PTIN, plus more than 25,000 have obtained a first-time PTIN for 2014.
