Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
A Fort Lauderdale doctor has been sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison for distributing prescription painkillers.
The man was sentenced Monday following a conviction in June of dispensing oxycodone outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical reason.
Investigators claim the 64-year-old man ran a cash-only pain management clinic in Indialantic from 2009 to 2011. He apparently charged $200-$400 per visit, where patients received prescriptions for high doses of oxycodone with little to no medical evaluation. Investigators believe that many of the people who received the prescriptions then abused the opioid painkillers themselves or sold the pills.
Oxycodone is the most abused prescription drug in Florida and across the country. A prescription drug is defined as any substance which under Federal or State law requires dispensing by prescription or order of a licensed physician, veterinarian or dentist. A doctor could easily face very serious criminal drug charges if law enforcement officers believe that their clinic is merely a cover for a fraudulent prescription drug distribution operation.
No matter what your case involves, our South Florida Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can provide you with honest advice about your situation and your options. Call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online to learn more about how we can put our experience and skill to work towards achieving the best possible outcome in your prescription drug case. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge.