Another doctor has pleaded guilty in connection with a massive illegal prescription drug network blamed for at least 50 deaths.
Dr. Michael Aruta, 48, of Boca Raton, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to commit money laundering. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a charge of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, oxycodone, and a charge of conspiracy to commit
wire fraud.
Aruta, an Ohio State University medical school graduate who interned at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
He is among 14 doctors charged in connection with the multimillion-dollar scheme prosecutors said was masterminded by 30-year-old Wellington twins Jeff and Chris George.
So far, six doctors and 14 others, including Jeff George, have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the multi-jurisdictional investigation dubbed "Operation Oxy Alley." Another doctor is scheduled to plead guilty on Wednesday.
A total of 32 were indicted in August in connection with the operation that turned pain clinics into illegal prescription drug centers.
The federal authorities over the last few years have been investigating and cracking down on doctors and medical providers who have set up a system where they provide endless amounts of narcotics without valid prescriptions, such as
oxycodone to people who either have issues with addiction or dealers who resell in the streets.
If you or a loved one has been charged or is being investigated for any drug charge, from possession to trafficking, call Hager & Schwartz, P.A. immediately for a free consultation.