Charlottesville Doctor Sentenced for Pain Medication Diversion

A Charlottesville dermatologist has been sentenced to 12 months’ probation for diverting large quantities of injectable meperidine, a Schedule II pain medication known as Demerol.

Dr. Amalie Shaffner Derdeyn, 48, of Charlottesville, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to three counts of using the DEA registration numbers of another person to obtain one or more controlled substances.

Between July 2015 and November 2016, Derdeyn diverted the pain medication by using her own DEA registration number, as well as the DEA registration numbers of other physicians in the practice, without their knowledge or consent, to obtain the drugs from local pharmacies.

According to court documents, Derdeyn diverted large quantities of injectable meperidine, a Schedule II pain medication known by the brand name Demerol. The investigation revealed that Derdeyn used her own DEA registration number, as well as the DEA registration numbers of other physicians in the practice, without their knowledge or consent, to obtain the drugs from local pharmacies.

Derdeyn agreed to pay $33,000 in restitution to victims no later than the date of her sentencing hearing, and to pay all remaining restitution before her period of probation ends. According to government filings, the restitution owed to victims may be as much as $45,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Virginia State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kari Munro and Michael Baudinet prosecuted the case for the United States.

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