The former operator of a Putnam County group home faces multiple charges after a joint investigation between the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and multiple local and state agencies.

During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that from 2016 through 2018 Stephanie Butler, the then operator of the Senior Lifestyles facility in Cookeville, was responsible for financially exploiting several of the residents, using their financial assets for her personal use.

Agents also determined that she and Brian Richey, a nurse practitioner who provided medical services for the residents, were involved in diverting controlled substance medication that belonged to the residents for their own personal use.

The Putnam County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Butler, 44, with one count of conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud, one count of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, 11 counts of financial exploitation, one count of theft over $2,500, four counts of identity theft, six counts of money laundering and one count of tampering with evidence. Richey, 36, was charged with one count of conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud, one count of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit financial exploitation of an elderly/vulnerable adult and one count of financial exploitation

Butler was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Putnam County Jail with a $150,000 bond. Richey was arrested on Thursday morning and booked with a bond of $40,000.

Then the Roane County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who they say took money from the elderly in exchange for doing work he never completed, and they’re now looking for additional victims.

Mickey Jason Pressley is charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person for the most recent case. He was arrested at his home in Harriman.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending. If you feel you have been a victim in this case, you’re urged to call your local police department to make a report.