Phenix City Doc Busted for ‘Pill Mill’ Scheme

A 53-year-old doctor from LaGrange, Georgia, has been arrested for allegedly running a ‘pill mill’ in Phenix City, Alabama, where he prescribed unnecessary pain medication to patients in exchange for cash.

Dr. Robert M. Ritchea, who maintains a family medical practice in Phenix City, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with drug distribution and money laundering offenses, announced George L. Beck, Jr, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

According to the indictment, Dr. Ritchea wrote prescriptions for Schedule II pain medications, such as hydrocodone and methadone, for patients who had no legitimate medical need for the medications. He also used the proceeds of his pill mill to purchase Schedule II pain medication directly from a drug manufacturer, allowing him to fill his patients’ unlawful and unnecessary prescriptions without using a pharmacy.

If convicted, Dr. Ritchea faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count, as well as substantial monetary penalties and restitution.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies, including the Opelika, Alabama Police Department and the Chambers County, Alabama Drug Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Rand N. Neeley are prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and Dr. Ritchea is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.