A 76-year-old Pinellas Park doctor has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the deaths of three patients who were prescribed pain medications at his clinic.
A federal judge in Tampa called the man a “drug pusher” at sentencing Monday and said he will have the “rest of his life to think about that.”
Reports indicate that the man was unaware he was breaking the law and asked the judge to show mercy on his 66-year-old wife who is scheduled for sentencing Tuesday. She managed her husband’s office.
The couple was convicted during a 17-day trial on multiple counts in a drug and financial conspiracy.
The man was held accountable for the three deaths.
In an attempt to crack down on the pill mill epidemic in Florida, police and prosecutors can be a tad overzealous when it comes to charging legitimate health care professionals with running pill mills. With that said, innocent doctors and other health care providers are often accused of committing crimes they did not commit.
Our Pinellas County Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand the laws surrounding pill mill cases and can uncover any flaws in the state’s case against you so that you have the best defense possible. We know how stressful charges like these can be, which is why we will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future. A conviction could mean jail time, significant fines and the loss of your license to practice medicine.
If you or someone you love is facing drug charges, please call us immediately at 727-823-0000 for a free consultation. We can begin helping you right away, so it is best to not delay.