FRANKFORT, Ky. — Three Tennessee physicians have been sentenced for their roles in a brazen drug trafficking and fraud scheme that flooded southeastern Kentucky with highly addictive opioids.
Evann Herrell, 49, of Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Mark Grenkoski, 50, of Tennessee, to 108 months, and Stephen Cirelli, 36, of Tennessee, to 48 months for their involvement in a conspiracy to illicitly prescribe controlled substances and related crimes.
The physicians worked at EHC Medical clinics in Harriman and Jacksboro, Tennessee, which claimed to provide treatment for opioid use disorder. However, investigators revealed that the defendants participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to provide prescriptions for high doses and dangerous combinations of Suboxone and benzodiazepine-class drugs to cash-paying customers in Kentucky.
These illicitly obtained drugs were then sold, traded, and abused throughout the region, causing widespread devastation to families and communities. The evidence also established that the defendants falsified medical records, engaged in a conspiracy to cause millions of dollars in fraudulent submissions to Medicare, Kentucky Medicaid, and other health benefit programs, and laundered money from their illicit activities.
Robert Taylor, the founder of EHC Medical, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and was sentenced in 2023 to 30 months in prison. He forfeited $13.8 million and paid an additional fine of $200,000. Other defendants, including Lori Barnett, Matthew Rasberry, Helen Bidawid, and Eva Misra, also pleaded guilty to related crimes and are currently serving their sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, IRS, and HHS, with support from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Rosenberg, Amanda Huang, and Andrew Smith.
The case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, which targets significant drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years upon their release.
The sentences are a significant blow to the opioid trafficking ring and a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating this deadly epidemic.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, praised the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved in the investigation. “This case demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who perpetuate this crisis,” he said.
Related Federal Cases
- Tennessee Docs Sentenced for Opioid Trafficking Scheme · Kentucky
- Tennessee Pain Clinic Owners, Docs Indicted in $8M Drug Ring · Kentucky
- Fulton County Jailer Parnell Admits to $175K Kickback Scheme · Kentucky
- Tennessee Man Sentenced for $8.9M Crop Insurance Scam · Kentucky
- Tennessee Bandits Sentenced for Tri-State Bank Robbery Spree · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News