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Defendant Sentenced to 12 Months for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances
May 12, 2023
Michele Nickels, a 48-year-old naturopathic practitioner from Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Nickels was found guilty of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
According to court documents, between 2008 and 2022, Nickels operated the Self-Integrative Family Wellness Center, where she prescribed medications, including controlled substances such as Adderall, without a medical license or a DEA registration. Nickels used a DEA registration number that was not assigned to her.
The investigation revealed that Nickels was a licensed Acupuncturist who had graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. However, she was never licensed to practice medicine or prescribe medications in Wisconsin. Despite lacking the authority and licensure to prescribe medications or controlled substances, Nickels continued to prescribe them over a four-year period.
United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the importance of licensing authorities in ensuring public protection. The judge noted that individuals who fail to conform to licensing requirements must face consequences.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart.
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales can be reached at Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov or (414) 297-1700 for further information. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates on this and other cases.
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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