MENOMONEE FALLS, WI, DOCTOR SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL OPIOID PRESCRIBING

United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced today that Steven Kotsonis (38), a medical doctor of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced in federal district court to 12 months and 1 day of confinement for unlawfully distributing Oxycodone outside of a professional medical practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  The conviction resulted from Kotsonis executing a drug-trafficking conspiracy and pill mill operation, motivated by greed.        

Over the course of approximately eight months, Kotsonis orchestrated and engaged in a conspiracy to illegally distribute narcotics by issuing illegitimate prescriptions, primarily for Oxycodone and other opioids, in exchange for cash.  Kotsonis was the co-owner and operator of Compassionate Care Clinic (“CCC”).  Kotsonis’s partner was his office manager and one of his patients.  Even though Kotsonis’s partner was not a licensed health care provider and had no medical training, Kotsonis instructed her to write out the prescriptions and have Kotsonis sign them without Kotsonis actually seeing the patients.  The investigation revealed that prescriptions were written for large quantities of Oxycodone, particularly Oxycodone 30mg (an average of 150-180 tablets per month).  Individuals frequently obtained prescriptions at CCC without being examined or having their vitals (height, weight, blood pressure) taken during their visit.  At least two CCC patients overdosed on Oxycodone and died.

“The opioid crisis continues to rage, with hundreds of overdoses occurring in Wisconsin this year,” said United States Attorney Krueger.  “For many, the road to opioid addiction began with prescription drugs like the ones that Kotsonis dealt.  To enrich himself, Kotsonis exploited individuals’ addictions and dealt drugs for cash.  As indicated by the United States’ recommended sentence of four years in federal prison, Kotsonis deserves significant punishment.  The Justice Department remains committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses their prescribing privileges.” 

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the value of local and federal law enforcement working alongside prosecutors to hold rogue practitioners accountable for their actions.  Every day the men and women of DEA work to improve public health and safety and bring to justice those responsible for the illicit trade and diversion of DEA controlled substances,” remarked Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul E. Maxwell, Jr.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Jacobs and Laura S. Kwaterski.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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For further information contact:

Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales, (414) 297-1700

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