RICHLAND, WASHINGTON – In a shocking case of medical malfeasance, Judith K. Caporiccio, a Richland-based naturopathic doctor, has agreed to pay $70,096 to resolve allegations under the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act, according to a federal investigation.
Between July 2016 and July 2021, Dr. Caporiccio improperly prescribed controlled substances, including zolpidem (Ambien), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam, modafinil, and pregabalin (Lyrica), despite being only authorized to prescribe codeine and testosterone products.
The Controlled Substances Act regulates certain drugs that pose a risk of abuse and dependence, and requires practitioners to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe these substances. Dr. Caporiccio, licensed in the State of Washington, was not registered to prescribe the aforementioned substances, putting her patients at serious risk of potentially dangerous side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.
According to the settlement agreement, Dr. Caporiccio ceased her improper prescribing practices in 2021 after being contacted by the DEA and voluntarily surrendered her DEA registration. The agreement also requires Dr. Caporiccio to implement additional controls and procedures to ensure that this conduct does not recur.
“My office is committed to protecting our community from drug misuse and diversion,” said Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “This resolution demonstrates our commitment to protecting public health, keeping our families safe, and building strong communities.”
Dr. Caporiccio admitted to issuing at least 421 prescriptions for controlled substances that she was not authorized to prescribe. The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by DEA’s Seattle Field Office, Diversion Group, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Judith K. Caporiccio
Criminal Charges: Misuse of Prescription Drugs
City and State: Richland, Washington
Exact Date: July 2016 – July 2021 (crime date)
Sentence/Outcome: Agreed to pay $70,096
Dollar Amounts: $70,096
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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