Pill Mill Doctor Prosecutions
1. United States v. Michael DeJulius (2012)
Illegal Opioid Prescriptions
Background: DeJulius ran a pain clinic that prescribed opioids without proper medical exams, effectively distributing drugs for non-medical use.
Charges:
Illegal distribution of controlled substances (21 U.S.C. ยง 841)
Conspiracy to distribute narcotics
Legal Significance:
Showed how lack of medical legitimacy in prescribing is prosecuted as drug trafficking.
Outcome: Convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
2. United States v. Paul Flowers (2015)
Prescription Fraud and Money Laundering
Background: Flowers ran multiple clinics prescribing opioids to addicts, often for cash payments, and laundered proceeds.
Charges:
Controlled substance violations
Money laundering
Legal Significance:
Demonstrated the financial crimes connected to pill mills alongside drug offenses.
Outcome: Convicted on all counts, sentenced to 25 years.
3. United States v. Dr. David Boyce (2017)
Excessive Prescriptions Without Medical Basis
Background: Boyce prescribed massive quantities of oxycodone to patients without proper diagnosis or examination.
Charges:
Illegally distributing controlled substances
Healthcare fraud (for billing Medicare/Medicaid)
Legal Significance:
Highlighted overlap between healthcare fraud and drug distribution crimes.
Outcome: Pleaded guilty; sentenced to 10 years.
4. United States v. William Hurwitz (2009)
Pain Management Specialist Prosecuted for Overprescribing
Background: Hurwitz aggressively prescribed opioids, contributing to addiction and overdose deaths.
Charges:
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Illegal drug distribution
Legal Significance:
Case focused on distinguishing legitimate pain management from pill mills.
Outcome: Convicted; sentenced to 25 years, later reduced on appeal.
5. United States v. Mark Wright (2016)
Pain Clinic Operating as Pill Mill
Background: Wright operated a clinic that prescribed high-dose opioids, often without valid medical records.
Charges:
Distribution of controlled substances
Conspiracy
Legal Significance:
Showed how conspiracy charges are used to prosecute groups operating pill mills.
Outcome: Convicted; sentenced to 15 years.
Summary Table
| Case | Key Charges | Legal Significance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael DeJulius (2012) | Illegal distribution, conspiracy | Illegitimate prescribing as trafficking | 20 years imprisonment |
| Paul Flowers (2015) | Controlled substances, money laundering | Financial crimes tied to pill mills | 25 years imprisonment |
| David Boyce (2017) | Drug distribution, healthcare fraud | Overlap of medical fraud and drug crimes | 10 years imprisonment |
| William Hurwitz (2009) | Conspiracy, illegal distribution | Distinguishing legit pain management vs pill mills | 25 years (reduced) |
| Mark Wright (2016) | Distribution, conspiracy | Group prosecutions of pill mill operations | 15 years imprisonment |
Quick Recap
Pill mill prosecutions focus on illegal prescribing and distribution of opioids without legitimate medical purpose.
They often involve conspiracy charges when multiple people or clinics are involved.
Cases highlight the intersection of drug laws, healthcare fraud, and money laundering.
Sentences can be severe, reflecting the public health impact of the opioid crisis.
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