Two Ohio doctors are facing the music after recklessly doling out painkillers and other prescription meds. Michael P. Tricaso, D.O., of Akron, and Gregory J. Gerber, M.D., of Sandusky, have been temporarily barred from writing prescriptions after a probe revealed their egregious behavior.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions joined forces with U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and other officials in Cleveland yesterday to announce the unprecedented move. The pair, who were slapped with first-of-its-kind temporary restraining orders, face serious consequences for their alleged crimes.
According to documents filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Tricaso operates the Better Living Clinic, a medical practice with a shady past. The clinic, located at 1236 Weathervane Lane, Suite 300, in Akron, has been linked to a string of illicit dealings.
As part of the investigation, investigators discovered that Tricaso sold steroids and other controlled substances to a confidential source in May 2016. The egregious behavior is a stark reminder of the dangers of prescription medication abuse and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
“These doctors were simply drug dealers in white lab coats,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “They illegally prescribed painkillers and other drugs for no legitimate medical purpose.”
Attorney General Sessions was equally scathing in his assessment, stating, “Today’s announcements are a warning to every trafficker, every crooked doctor or pharmacist, and every drug company that puts greed before the lives and health of the American people: this Justice Department will use civil and criminal penalties alike and we will find you, put you in jail, or make you pay.”
As the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across the nation, the actions taken by the Justice Department serve as a vital reminder of the importance of holding those responsible accountable. The case against Tricaso and Gerber is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of prescription medication abuse and the importance of prioritizing public health and safety.
The investigation into Tricaso and Gerber is ongoing, and those found guilty could face serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the vulnerable and profit from the opioid crisis.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- 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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