Savannah Doctor Indicted For Trading Prescriptions For Sex

SAVANNAH , GA: WILLIAM ELLIEN, 57, of Savannah, Georgia, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah, Georgia for felony drug charges related to the unlawful distribution of prescription drugs, including percocet and hydrocodone.  According to the Indictment and an earlier filed Criminal Complaint, Ellien, a Savannah physician, exchanged prescriptions for very addictive prescription drugs for sex acts with various women from 2009 through 2012. 

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in Georgia and across our nation.   The indictment and other court documents in this case allege that this doctor violated his oath to‘do no harm,’ by trading prescriptions for highly addictive medications for sex.  Swift justice can be the only response to this grave violation of the trust and responsibility bestowed upon the Defendant by the people of Georgia.”

Ellien, who remains in federal custody, is facing up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  An indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  The Defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove the Defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.    

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney, E. Greg Gilluly, Jr.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.