Investigators seek suspect in statewide prescription fraud case

Published 2:42 pm Tuesday, August 18, 2020

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A Troy pharmacy is one of several targeted by a man suspected of committing prescription fraud across the region.

The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy has issued a statewide alert in an effort to identify and locate a man wanted for multiple counts of felony prescription fraud between July 20 and Aug. 11.

Authorities say a DEA controlled medication number from the Veteran Affairs Doctor in Tuscaloosa was used to fill prescriptions at various locations during that time frame, including Eufaula, Opelika, Montgomery, Troy and Abbeville. Attempts to fill prescriptions also were made in Millbrook and Ozark.

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The investigation began when a Veteran Affairs Doctor in Tuscaloosa notified state drug investigators of multiple counts of prescription fraud. “The Veteran Affairs Doctor current prescribes controlled medication at the Tuscaloosa facility,” according to a CrimeSstoppers statement. “The medication is also dispensed at the same facility, which prevents the need for his patients to utilize community or chain pharmacies.

“The reporting doctor checked his dispensing reports, as habit, and noticed that his DEA controlled medication number was being used in different parts of the state without his permission.”

The controlled substances being obtained are Alprazolam, Diazepam and Clonazepam commonly known as Xanax a highly abused schedule IV narcotic. This drug is a benzodiazepine which are being abused now because of the Opioid epidemic.

CrimeStoppers released photos and video in an effort to identify a suspect of interest. He is identified as a white male, approximately 25 to 35 years old, with blonde/reddish hair. He wears glasses and black suits or all black clothing, according to vide from Abbeville and pictures from Troy.

The suspect has been seen driving an Infiniti G35 coupe, beige, and possibly a 2002-2005 model.

The suspect could face charges of unlawful receipt of a controlled substance; attempt to commit receipt of a controlled substance; and possible federal charges based on the use of multiple identifies of real patients being utilized to obtain fraudulent prescriptions.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP or share information via the P3 app.