Medical Drug Clinic Owner Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Drug Distribution And Money Laundering

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Gloria Adams, 63, of LaPlace, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 60 months in prison with three years of supervised release for her part in a conspiracy to fill prescriptions without doctors being present. She also was ordered to forfeit $241,793. Adams pleaded guilty on April 23, 2013.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Adams, who is not a doctor, opened Essential Medical Center (EMC) in November 2005 in Lafayette.  She admitted to conspiring to dispense Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) such as Xanax and Lortab when no doctors were present at the clinic through a system called “pre-signing.”  Pre-signing took place at the clinic when some non-physician staff used pre-signed documents to dispense prescriptions to patients while doctors were absent.   She also admitted that she aided and abetted the practice of dispensing CDS outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Adams also admitted to laundering approximately $16,000 in drug proceeds through a financial institution. 

“I would like to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service for combining forces to successfully investigate this case,” Finley stated.  “Combating the illegal distribution of prescription drugs remains a priority in my office.”
“IRS - CI will continue to play an active part in the war on drugs,” stated IRS Special Agent in Charge Gabriel L. Grchan.  “Individuals such as Gloria Adams that are guilty of attempting to launder their illegal drug profits will be prosecuted for money laundering violations; IRS - CI will continue to work with our federal partners to that end.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration – Office of Diversion Control and the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.