UPDATE: An Oregon doctor has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally selling drug prescriptions, as confirmed by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Mark Samuel Fettman, aged 78, must also forfeit over $570,000 following his guilty plea to multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
The sentencing occurred on October 15, 2021, under the watch of Judge Carl Aveni, who mandated that Fettman begin serving his sentence immediately. This case stems from a thorough investigation initiated by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy in 2020, triggered by allegations of Fettman’s cash-for-prescriptions scheme.
Fettman was found to have prescribed Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, without proper medical examinations or patient evaluations. Undercover agents recorded four separate consultations where Fettman issued prescriptions in exchange for $290 in cash each time, completely bypassing necessary medical procedures.
During a court-authorized search of Fettman’s practice, authorities uncovered significant evidence, including large sums of cash and a computer filled with patient files, reinforcing claims of his illegal prescription practices.
“Dr. Fettman’s actions endangered the lives of vulnerable patients and undermined the integrity of the medical profession,” stated a spokesperson from the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.
The fallout from this case highlights critical issues surrounding prescription drug abuse and the responsibilities of medical professionals. Fettman’s illegal activities, which have persisted for years, raise alarming questions about oversight in the healthcare sector.
As this story develops, it underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent similar abuses in the future. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against illegal prescription sales and to report any suspicious activities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the implications of Fettman’s sentencing resonate throughout the healthcare community.
