Doctor pleads guilty to diverting Fentanyl
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MADISON—A Wausau, Wisconsin Doctor pleaded guilty on Thursday, July 18, 2019 in U.S. district court to five counts of obtaining fentanyl by use of misrepresentation and fraud.
Thomas Strick, 60, Wausau faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison. District Judge William Conley scheduled sentencing for October 9th.
During the time frame of the government’s investigation, Stick was employed as a family practice physician for Aspirus Health Care in Wausau. In his capacity, Strick worked at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the Aspirus Wausau Family Clinic. The government’s investigation revealed that Strick regularly prescribed fentanyl patches to patients without a medical need. Strick instructed the patients to fill the prescriptions and return the fentanyl patches to him for personal use.
The investigation into Strick’s patients’ records revealed over 100 suspected diversions of fentanyl patches between 2011 and 2018.
“The U.S. Department of justice continues to make prosecution of those who divert or distribute lethally addictive substances such as fentanyl a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader.
“Last Thursday’s guilty plea demonstrates the value of local and federal law enforcement working alongside prosecutors to hold rogue practitioners accountable for their actions. Every day the men and women of DEA work to improve public health and safety and bring to justice those responsible for the illicit trade and diversion of DEA controlled substances,” remarked Drug Enforcement Administration Associate Special Agent in Charge, Robert J. Bell.