Oxycodone is an extremely potent opioid pain medication. It is generally prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain following surgery or injury. Oxycodone is also prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain conditions such as cancer. The drug works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain signals sent to the body.
Unfortunately, taking oxycodone comes with significant risks. It is known for having a high potential for abuse and addiction. When taken in high doses or for extended periods, oxycodone can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms and overdose.
Oxycodone has a very high risk of addiction.
Especially when used for extended periods of time or taken in high doses, a person’s body can become physically dependent on the drug. When the drug is stopped, it often leads to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and anxiety. Not to mention, oxycodone can be incredibly harmful. It is known to cause respiratory depression, meaning that it can slow down or even stop a person’s breathing.
While not considered a street drug, oxycodone is often used to get high by those who are addicted to it. It is also a popular choice for individuals looking to alleviate emotional pain. Over time, however, the body can develop a tolerance to oxycodone. This means that higher doses are required to achieve the same level of pain relief. As a result, there is an increase to the risk of addiction and overdose.
Connecticut man sentenced for role in oxycodone-related fraud scheme.
Yesterday, the District of Connecticut branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of Jayson Kemp. The 46 year-old resident of East Windsor will serve 12 months and one day of imprisonment. The sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. His crime: operating a scheme to acquire and distribute oxycodone obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.
“According to court documents and statements made in court, Kemp obtained blank prescription paper from employees of various Connecticut medical practices,” reads the report, “ He kept some of the prescription paper for himself and also sold some of the prescription paper, for thousands of dollars, to other individuals.”
Kemp and his co-conspirators recruited “runners”.
“Runners” refer to people who receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits and can fill fraudulent prescriptions at various pharmacies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office report reveals that Kemp and his co-conspirators filled out each prescription with identifying information from runners. Each prescription contained a forged doctor’s signature.
The runners would fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies, using their Medicaid or Medicare benefits. The oxycodone pills were then given to Kemp and his co-conspirators in exchange for about $50 per prescription. Subsequently, the pills were sold to individuals who were suffering from opioid addictions.
Kemp and company filled at least 150 fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions.
Nearly every prescription was for 150 30-mg pills. In addition to his sentence, Kemp will have to pay $48,836.14 in restitution. Arrested on August 2, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone on July 5, 2022. He is currently released on a $150,000 bond and is required to report to prison on July 5, 2023.
Are you an attorney who is currently working a health care fraud case? The clinical experts at Allegiant Experts can help you! Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 407-217-5831. You may also email us at info@allegiantexperts.com.
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