DALLAS (AP) – A federal judge has sentenced the operator of a North Texas “pill mill” that conspired to illegally distribute prescription drugs to a lengthy prison term.
Dr. Theodore Okechuku, an anesthesiologist, was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in prison.
Authorities say he operated a Dallas medical clinic that functioned as a place to unlawfully obtain prescriptions. Drug dealers who were part of the conspiracy recruited people from homeless shelters and elsewhere to visit the clinic. Okechuku was paid for visits and then those receiving prescriptions were taken to pharmacies to obtain their orders. The dealers then sold the drugs on the street.
One other conspirator convicted at trial and two who entered guilty pleas have received prison sentences. Two others convicted at trial and two who pleaded guilty await sentencing.
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