On behalf of Dickman Law Offices, P.S.C. posted in Drug Charges on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies teamed up earlier this month to put an end to the illegal distribution of prescription drugs in eastern Kentucky.
In an investigation that spanned several years, officers from the FBI, Kentucky State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and members of the Food and Drug Administration charged 22 people in five indictments across three states.
Those accused of the crimes range from doctors to pain clinic owners. These serious criminal charges cast a spotlight on the drug ravaged Appalachian region.
Charges included conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs, conspiracy to sell prescription drug samples and money laundering.
Authorities claim that hundreds of thousands of prescription pills were distributed not only in Kentucky but to people in Texas and Florida as well. Among them are the highly addictive medications Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Xanax.
The illicit use of prescription drugs is perhaps one of the most underestimated drug problems, and Kentucky’s eastern counties seem to be one of the most affected areas in the country.
Those accused of drug crimes could face years in prison and hefty fines. Medical professionals who are convicted could even lose their license.
Prosecutors may be eager to penalize those convicted of drug charges. However, the rampant drug problem is a signal that rehabilitation, not incarceration, may be the best solution.
People accused of drug crimes would likely benefit from consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney will work hard to mitigate any potential consequences. Part of that may be fighting for reduced prison sentences and enrollment in a drug rehabilitation program.
Source: SFGate, “22 charged in eastern KY. prescription drug cases,” Brett Barrouquere, Aug. 17, 2012
Our firm deals with cases like this. For more information, please visit our Kentucky drug charges page.
Posted in: Criminal Defense, Drug Charges