Philadelphia Federal Prescription Drug Charges: Fraud, Distribution and Abuse

Philadelphia Federal Prescription Drug Charges: Fraud, Distribution and Abuse

Prescription drug fraud, distribution, and abuse are serious federal crimes that carry heavy penalties in Philadelphia. With the opioid crisis raging and Medicare fraud costing taxpayers billions, federal prosecutors are cracking down hard. This article provides an overview of common Philadelphia prescription drug cases and what to expect if charged.

Prescription Fraud Crimes

Prescription fraud involves using deception to illegally obtain or distribute controlled medications. Common schemes include:

• Doctor Shopping – Seeing multiple doctors to get overlapping painkiller scripts. Each doctor doesn’t know about the other prescriptions.
• Forged Scripts – Creating fake prescription pads or altering legitimate scripts to get drugs.
• Pharmacy Diversion – Pharmacists or techs stealing medications slated for patients.
• Pill Mill Clinics – Doctors prescribing high volumes of painkillers without medical need. Usually a cash-only “pill factory” operation.
• Insurance Billing Fraud – Billing health insurance for meds never dispensed.
• Kickback Schemes – Doctors and pharmacists exchanging money for patient referrals and med orders.

In one recent Philadelphia case, the owner of a Northeast pharmacy was sentenced to 3.5 years in federal prison for an oxycodone distribution conspiracy. He also had to forfeit over $4 million in illicit profits.

Another prosecution targeted two local pharmacies engaged in Medicare/Medicaid fraud totaling $3.5 million for fake billing. The pharmacies can’t participate in federal health programs for 5 years.

Illegal Distribution Charges

It’s illegal under federal law to distribute certain controlled prescription medications without a valid medical purpose. Common distribution schemes bringing federal charges include:

• Street-Level Dealing – Dealing pills on the black market instead of taking legitimately prescribed meds.
• Organized Trafficking Rings – Large interstate organizations smuggling bulk loads of pills from sham clinics and crooked doctors. The DEA seized over 379 million lethal fentanyl doses this year from Mexican cartels flooding Philly streets.
• Dark Web Sales – Illegal online pharmacies shipping dangerous controlled substances through the mail.
• Pill Press Operations – Using pill presses to create mass quantities of fake Oxycontin, Xanax and other tablets sold locally or nationally.

In a recent suburban Philadelphia case, a doctor and his office manager were convicted of taking kickbacks for sending patients to shady compounding pharmacies. They put profits over patient health and safety.

What To Expect If Charged

Defending federal prescription drug cases takes experience. Charges often stem from DEA, FBI or HHS-OIG investigations spanning months or years. The feds build strong cases before indicting.

You need a lawyer knowledgeable of federal pharmacy laws and prescription regulations. Someone who understands illegal distribution networks and complex medical schemes. Who can identify procedural flaws or credibility issues in witness statements.

Expect protracted legal battles negotiating with seasoned federal prosecutors. They typically pursue plea bargains with multi-year prison terms and massive fines. Trial convictions often end in decade-plus sentences.

Mounting a prescription drug defense requires scrutinizing reams of medical records, prescription logs, informants/cooperators, and expert testimony. Finding holes in the government’s version of events. Highlighting sloppy police work. Attacking witness credibility.

Codefendants often shift blame or make desperate deals to save themselves. You need an attorney who can stand up to federal pressure tactics. Who won’t be bullied into a bad plea deal or throw you under the bus.

Prescription drug offenders also face draconian civil penalties, including:

• Asset forfeiture – Losing cash, cars, homes and valuables connected to the illegal activity
• DEA registration revocation – Banned from handling controlled substances
• Healthcare exclusion – Barred from federally funded health insurance

A skilled lawyer negotiates firmly with prosecutors, making them prove their case. They craft defense strategies showing you acted legally and appropriately. And they negotiate strongly for reasonable punishment if convicted.

Changes Coming?

The FTC recently launched an inquiry into pharmacy middlemen like PBMs and drug distributors. Looking at how they influence costs and accessibility.

Critics allege opaque industry practices hike consumer prices while scoring insurers fat rebates. Generics get squeezed off formularies. Doctors lose prescribing power. Meanwhile, middlemen revenue soars.

This investigation – and potential regulatory changes – warrants close watching to see if relief comes for patients struggling with expensive meds. Or tighter rules for pharmacies, doctors and benefit managers.

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Hopefully this overview helps explain the legal landscape around federal Philadelphia prescription drug cases. Defendants face terrifying power wielded by DOJ prosecutors, DEA and FBI agents armed with intimidating statutes.

You need an experienced lawyer ready to zealously counter the government’s allegations. Someone who knows federal drug laws inside-out. Who has relationships with prosecutors and judges to draw on. And who has a proven record of success challenging complex prescription cases.

Don’t wait to call an attorney if facing charges. Prescription drug investigations move swiftly once arrests occur. You need counsel engaged immediately to start your defense. Delays only help the prosecution.

Let me know if any questions!