Jefferson City woman accused of stealing funds from TennCare supported senior care business

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office led to the arrest of the former office manager for Priority Senior Care in Jefferson City.

Priority Senior Care is a TennCare funded company that provides in-home care to qualified seniors.

According to investigators, Tonya Lindsey paid herself an extra $44,104 between January 2019 and October 2020 by issuing herself 66 payroll payments without the knowledge of the company’s owner.

The investigation revealed, Lindsey allegedly manipulated payroll data and records to conceal the theft. Officials said Lindsey altered payroll software to make it appear direct deposit payments had been issued to a fictitious employee.

The Comptroller’s Office said, in October 2019, Lindsey issued ten payroll payments to the fictitious employee. Investigators determined the money was actually deposited into Lindsey’s bank account.

Lindsey is also accused of making “questionable purchases,” totaling at least $8,428. Some of the purchases in question were made at a clothing and accessories boutique and a vape store, according to investigators.

Lindsey was terminated on October 21, 2020.

In April 2021, the Jefferson County Grand Jury indicted Tonya Lindsey on one count of theft over $10,000 and 25 counts of forgery.

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