Jacinta Gillis, MD, an internist who operated medical clinics in Lee and Pinellas counties in Florida, has been arrested and charged with allegedly running pill mills and illegally distributing pain prescriptions, according to a local NBC news report.
Last year, Dr. Gillis' home and medical clinics were raided by law enforcement officials. At that time, Dr. Gillis denied allegations she was running an illegitimate pain clinic, saying she has been "victimized by the war against drugs," according to the news report.
Though no charges were filed at that time, Dr. Gillis agreed to surrender her prescribing privileges in both counties while the investigation was ongoing. Pinellas County officials later charged her with running a pain clinic without a proper permit. The two-year long investigation ended with her arrest earlier this week, according to the news report.
Dr. Gillis examined patients only briefly before writing them prescriptions, and patient visit were always paid in cash, law enforcement officials reported. Dr. Gillis' bond has been set at $1 million, and additional charges may later be filed.
Read the news report about Dr. Jacinta Gillis' arrest.
Related Articles on Pill Mills:
State Legislators Refuse to Fund Drug Database, Law Enforcement Volunteer Funds
Florida Society of Pain Management President Says Law Enforcement Campaigns Threaten Legit Practices
University Researcher: Pharmacies, Not Physicians, Are Source of Pill Mill Problem
Last year, Dr. Gillis' home and medical clinics were raided by law enforcement officials. At that time, Dr. Gillis denied allegations she was running an illegitimate pain clinic, saying she has been "victimized by the war against drugs," according to the news report.
Though no charges were filed at that time, Dr. Gillis agreed to surrender her prescribing privileges in both counties while the investigation was ongoing. Pinellas County officials later charged her with running a pain clinic without a proper permit. The two-year long investigation ended with her arrest earlier this week, according to the news report.
Dr. Gillis examined patients only briefly before writing them prescriptions, and patient visit were always paid in cash, law enforcement officials reported. Dr. Gillis' bond has been set at $1 million, and additional charges may later be filed.
Read the news report about Dr. Jacinta Gillis' arrest.
Related Articles on Pill Mills:
State Legislators Refuse to Fund Drug Database, Law Enforcement Volunteer Funds
Florida Society of Pain Management President Says Law Enforcement Campaigns Threaten Legit Practices
University Researcher: Pharmacies, Not Physicians, Are Source of Pill Mill Problem