Ernest Gonzalez, Opioid Distribution, Florida 2018

Tampa, Florida - In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, a Tampa judge has sentenced Ernest Gonzalez, 68, to 46 months in federal prison for his role in a pill mill operation that illegally distributed opioids in Tampa, Florida. Gonzalez's business partner, Rosa Colon, 30, received a 24-month sentence. According to court documents, Gonzalez served as the president and owner of Health and Pain Center (HPC), a pain management clinic in Tampa.

Gonzalez transferred his executive title and ownership of HPC to Colon in June 2011. The two hired physicians who routinely prescribed controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose to HPC's patients. Gonzalez and Colon participated and facilitated the physicians' illegal prescribing practices by instructing HPC employees to overlook failed urine screens and by procuring MRI studies that the physicians used to justify their opioid prescriptions.

Additionally, Gonzalez and Colon operated HPC as a cash-only business that had little to no medical equipment on site, staffers with no medical training, and a high volume patient base. Gonzalez and Colon actively participated in the management and administration of HPC through October 2016 when the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the clinic.

Gonzalez and Colon pleaded guilty on September 11, 2018, to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances for no legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice. As part of their sentences, the court also entered money judgments of $47,780.96 against Gonzalez and $765,356.76 against Colon, which were for the proceeds of the conspiracy to illegally distribute and dispense controlled substances.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Tampa District Office. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Pizzo, prosecuted the case. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Muench.

The sentencing of Gonzalez and Colon is a significant step in combating the opioid epidemic in Tampa and beyond. The consequences of their actions will serve as a warning to those who seek to profit from the suffering of others.

Gonzalez and Colon's case highlights the importance of holding accountable those who contribute to the opioid crisis. Their actions will have a lasting impact on the community, and their sentences will serve as a reminder of the consequences of their crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-pill-mill-owners-sentenced-prison-illegal-distribution-opioids