A Tampa, Fla.-based physician has pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution, wire fraud and making false statements related to healthcare.
In May 2019, Tommy Louisville, MD, 71, became ineligible to prescribe controlled substances after he was suspended from practicing medicine for two years, according to a Nov. 6 news release from the Justice Department. He continued to issue controlled substances, concealed from Medicare that he was not authorized to issue prescriptions and shuttered his medical business in November 2019.
Additionally, between April and May 2020, Dr. Louisville used his closed business to obtain $33,034 in a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. His loan application contained multiple fraudulent documents, including monthly payroll that implied he actively operated a business and employed six people. He agreed to forfeit the $33,034.
Dr. Louisville faces up to 10 years in prison for the drug distribution charge, five years for the false statement charge and 20 years for the wire fraud charge. His sentencing date has not been set.