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Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Role in Pill Mill

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An Alabama doctor has been sentenced to more than twelve years in prison for his role in a Montgomery pill mill.

U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin Sr. told Al.com that 56-year-old Gilberto Sanchez was found guilty last week of prescribing unnecessary controlled substances for his patients. He was also found guilty of committing health care fraud and laundering money.

Prosecutors say Sanchez handed out prescriptions for opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl as well as amphetamines. They say he knew his patients did not need the medications and would likely abuse them.

Sanchez was among four people indicted by a federal grand jury for their role in the pill mill last year.

Last week, 48-year-old Johnnie Sanders also pleaded guilty to health care fraud. Court documents state Sanders worked for Sanchez and participated in a fraudulent moneymaking venture.

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