Montgomery, Ala. - On August 23, 2018, former Montgomery doctor, Gilberto Sanchez, was sentenced to serve 12 years and one month in prison for illegally prescribing controlled substances, committing healthcare fraud, and laundering money.
Sanchez operated a “Family Practice” at 4143 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Sanchez prescribed drugs such as oxycodone, fentanyl, and even amphetamines, among other controlled substances.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Sanchez required patients to return to his office each month and undergo physical examinations before receiving the prescription refills. The purpose of these visits were to allow Sanchez to provide patients with the illegal prescriptions and receive money for the visits from insurance companies, leading to the conviction on health care fraud.
Sanchez spent some of the proceeds of his “Pill Mill” operation to purchase at least one personal residence and vehicle, resulting in the money laundering charge.
According to a press release, U.S. District Judge Myron H. Thompson told Sanchez that he imposed a strong sentence because of the “significant toll Sanchez’s criminal conduct took in the lives of Sanchez’s patients and employees.”
According to Thompson, Sanchez obtained $3.5 million through this operation.
“It’s reprehensible that a doctor entrusted with caring for his community would push unnecessary drugs on patients, knowing full well the ramifications of opioid abuse,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “Dr. Sanchez continuously put his financial gain above the health and safety of our local residents. HHS-OIG continues to focus resources on those who divert prescription medication for profit and abuse.”
