CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A West Virginia physician has been handed a 24-month sentence for the illegal distribution of controlled substances and the deliberate destruction of evidence pertinent to his criminal activities. David Elwood Hess, 61, from Bridgeport, was found guilty on one count of improper prescribing and another count of destroying records during a federal trial that concluded earlier this year.
Hess is accused of issuing prescriptions for Adderall to patients without any legitimate medical reason, exceeding the professional boundaries of his practice. Following the seizure of his phone as evidence, Hess remotely deleted information from his iPhone, further complicating the investigation.
Following his prison term, Hess will be under supervised release for three years. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Cogar and Eleanor Hurney, while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led the investigation. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Kleeh presided over the hearing.
Dr. Hess’s actions have drawn intense scrutiny from federal authorities as part of their ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug abuse in the state. His conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who engage in illegal distribution and destruction of evidence.
The sentence handed down today is a significant victory for the prosecution, showcasing the government’s commitment to holding medical professionals accountable when they cross the line into criminal activity. The community can expect continued vigilance from law enforcement as they work to protect public health and safety.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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