William J. O’Brien III, Pill Mill Operation, Pennsylvania 2015

Philadelphia doctor William J. O’Brien III, 49, has been charged with 23 additional counts of illegally distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone, and amphetamines, outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. The charges were filed by Superseding Indictment, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

According to the superseding indictment, O’Brien’s patients, known as ‘Apatients@’, could obtain prescriptions for these addictive and dangerous controlled substances without a physical examination or any other medical care or treatment. O’Brien typically charged customers $250 cash for the first appointment to buy prescriptions and $200 for each appointment to obtain refills.

The indictment, unsealed on January 29, 2015, initially charged O’Brien and Angela Rongione with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. O’Brien was also charged separately with 26 counts of illegally distributing Oxycodone and Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance, for selling prescriptions to a government cooperator and an undercover FBI agent.

The counts charged in the superseding indictment are for additional ‘patients’ to whom O’Brien allegedly sold prescriptions. If convicted, the defendants face substantial prison terms and fines, and are subject to criminal forfeiture proceedings.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Beth Leahy.

O’Brien, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, allegedly operated a pill mill in Philadelphia, where customers could buy prescriptions for controlled substances without legitimate medical care or treatment. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to holding accountable those who engage in corrupt and dangerous practices.

The superseding indictment charges O’Brien with 23 counts of distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone, and amphetamines. The charges carry substantial prison terms and fines, and the possibility of criminal forfeiture.

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