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Houston Doctor Convicted of Distributing Prescription Narcotics in Texas
A federal jury in Houston, Texas, has returned guilty verdicts on all 19 counts as charged against Dr. Richard Arthur Evans, 71, for distributing oxycodone and hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours before convicting Evans. The jury heard testimony for 14 days from 15 witnesses, including other doctors who appeared as expert witnesses. The government presented more than 175 exhibits during the course of the trial.
Co-defendant David Devido, 78, of Houston, pleaded guilty on the first day of trial. The two defendants conspired to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone, controlled narcotic substances that are highly addictive and highly abused pain relievers.
Evans, a physician, wrote prescriptions, while Devido, a pharmacist, dispensed the drugs. Witnesses testified that these pills are sold for approximately $40 each on the street. The jury heard that Evans distributed these drugs outside the course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
Evans charged patients $200-$240 cash for an initial office visit, at which time they would obtain a first prescription. Refills are not permitted for narcotics. However, the jury heard that patients were told they could obtain a new prescription in 30 days without an office visit as long as the patient sent a money order to Evans for $200-$240. Patients were also told they could obtain a third prescription without an office visit as long as they again sent the payment to Evans.
As a result of the conspiracy, Evans prescribed and Devido dispensed approximately 1.6 million dosage units of oxycodone in a two-year period. The jury heard that the total money attributed to the diversion scheme was approximately $2.4 million. Evans faces up to life in prison and could also be ordered to pay up to $5 million in fines.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt presided over the trial and set sentencing for October 17, 2016. Devido is set for sentencing on September 26, 2016. Both were permitted to remain on bond pending their hearings.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Oxy Overload, was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Health and Human Services and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cedric L. Joubert and Quincy L. Ollison prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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