Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, Tommy Louisville, a 71-year-old Florida-licensed physician, has pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution, making a false statement, and wire fraud. The case, which has left many in the medical community stunned, highlights the ease with which some individuals can exploit the system for their own gain.
According to the plea agreement, Louisville was a Florida-licensed physician and DEA registrant. On May 30, 2019, the Florida Board of Medicine suspended Louisville from the practice of medicine for two years, thereby making him ineligible to lawfully prescribe controlled substances. Despite this, Louisville continued to issue controlled-substance prescriptions after his medical license was suspended. Furthermore, he concealed from Medicare the fact that he was not authorized to issue prescriptions in connection with the submission to Medicare of the prescriptions for payment.
Between April and May 2020, Louisville used his closed business to fraudulently obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in the amount of $33,034. He submitted an application that contained multiple fraudulent representations, including stating average monthly payroll suggesting he actively operated a medical business; that he employed six employees; and certifying that loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes.
As a result of his guilty plea, Louisville faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the drug distribution offense, up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the false statement offense, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense. He has also agreed to forfeit $33,034, the proceeds of his criminal conduct.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration -Tampa District Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Tommy Louisville, a man once trusted to heal and care for others, now faces the harsh reality of his actions. His guilty plea serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law and that those who exploit the system will be held accountable.
The Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in May 2021 to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud.
Tommy Louisville, 71, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution, making a false statement, and wire fraud.
Defendant: Tommy Louisville
Criminal Charges: Unlawful drug distribution, making a false statement, and wire fraud
City and State: Tampa, FL
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in federal prison, up to $33,034 in forfeitures
Dollar Amounts: $33,034
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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