Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A disturbing trend of physicians and healthcare providers improperly dispensing and hoarding life-sustaining medications has caught the attention of federal prosecutors in Virginia.
According to U.S. Attorneys Thomas Cullen and Zach Terwilliger, who lead the joint COVID-19 Fraud Task Force for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, healthcare providers are prescribing life-sustaining medications to themselves, their families, and others without a legitimate medical purpose.
The medications in question are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, lupus, malaria, and bacterial infections, but Dr. Norman Oliver, Virginia Health Commissioner, warned against improper dispensing and potential hoarding of these medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At a time when many doctors, nurses, and first responders are risking their health and personal safety to treat those affected by the coronavirus, it is incredibly disturbing that a selfish minority in that field may be undermining these valiant efforts by prescribing outside legitimate medical practice,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia will be closely monitoring this trend and are prepared to investigate potential violations of federal and state law committed by any individuals or entities related to these prescription drugs.
“Our office is committed to protecting the public at this critical time, including Virginians who rely on life-sustaining prescription drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. “We will act swiftly in coordination with our law enforcement partners to safeguard these critical medications for those who need them against healthcare providers who improperly dispense them.”
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, or need more information about COVID-19, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/covid-19-fraud or https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx to report fraud directly to the FBI.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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