Martinsburg doctor pleads guilty to illegal distribution of alprazolam and lorazepam

MARTISNBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Christopher J. Murphy, 53, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was convicted of unlawfully distributing alprazolam and lorazepam, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Murphy pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Aplrazolam” and one count of “Distribution of Lorazepam.” The crime took place in Berkeley County in August 2016. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.