CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA— Dr. Felix Brizuela, Jr., a 57-year-old physician from Harrison City, Pennsylvania, has been found guilty of 15 counts of illegal opioid distribution to patients in Monongalia County, West Virginia.
The verdict was delivered on January 14, 2018, after a six-day trial, Dr. Brizuela was convicted of ‘Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.’
The jury deliberated for two days before returning a guilty verdict on 15 of the 21 counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances.
The controlled substances involved in the case include Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Oxymorphone, which were distributed without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice between 2013 and 2015.
‘Illegal distribution of opioids by physicians has been and continues to be a high priority for prosecution in this district,’ said United States Attorney Bill Powell.
‘Physicians who believe they can hide behind their lab coats or medical licenses, and simultaneously stoke the fires of the opioid epidemic and profit from it are sadly mistaken.’
Dr. Brizuela faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the distribution counts.
The actual sentence imposed will be based on the seriousness of the offenses, prior criminal conduct, if any, and other factors considered by the court.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the case.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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