Doctor still featured online despite Drug Conviction
“This trial is another example that if you act like a drug dealer, we will prosecute you like one.” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers summed up why the state prosecuted Dr. Roger Anderson in one simple sentence.
The Southeast Ohio doctor who once prescribed 10 Fentanyl patches, 120 Xanax pills, 180 Oxycodone pills, and 180 pills of the acetaminophen-hydrocodone mix Norco to a patient on the same day has been convicted by a federal jury for illegally prescribing controlled substances and defrauding health care programs. But that doesn’t mean that some online medical
Roger D. Anderson, of Marietta, was convicted on one count of guilty of one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of illegal dispensing of controlled substances, and one count of committing health care fraud.
But that doesn’t mean that some sites designed to help you find a doctor aren’t still featuring glowing reviews of the former physician. Both Vitals and WebMD show him as a four-star physician who has received awards for patient care with no mention of the drug charges.
He owned and operated Marietta Medical, where between 2012 and 2016, he distributed opioids far beyond what any legitimate medical practice would have.
Anderson even pre-signed prescriptions for his staff to hand out to patients when he wasn’t there. Prescriptions were given to patients that he didn’t even examine and often handed out after office hours from a kiosk.
He prescribed dangerous combinations known as “Holy Trinity” (an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant) and “Speedballs” (a stimulant and an opioid).
He also committed health care fraud against the Ohio Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said, “Dr. Anderson betrayed his profession and every standard of decency by cashing in on the deadly opioid epidemic that is plaguing nearly every corner of our country.”
Anderson could face up to 20 years in prison for distributing controlled substances and 10 years for committing health care fraud. He was also in trouble back in 2015, accused of hiding a suspect in a rape case. Those charges were later dropped.
Note – you can actually download the video singing his praises at this link. Just scroll down: https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Roger_D_Anderson.html
Doctor Drug Conviction
Update 01/08/2021
The wheels of justice move slowly. Combine that with a Pandemic, and Roger D. Anderson got a little extra taste of freedom. That came to a screeching halt today when he was sentenced to 96 months in prison for illegally prescribing controlled substances and defrauding health care programs.
Specifically, Anderson was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of illegal dispensing of controlled substances, and one count of committing health care fraud.
“Anderson ignored blatant red flags that his patients were abusing and diverting the opioids he prescribed,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “He prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines to a pregnant patient and was banned by pharmacies. Today’s sentence is another reminder that if you act like a drug dealer, we will prosecute you like one.”