Pharmacist caught filling phony prescriptions

A Baltimore pharmacists is being charged with multiple counts related to distributing opioid medication based on phony prescriptions, according to Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh. 

Susan Iwunze Nwoga, 47, is charged with conspiracy to defraud a State Health Plan-Medicaid, defraud a State Health Plan, felony theft and more than 300 counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. A co-conspirator, Darnella Carter is charged with conspiracy to defraud a State Health Plan, defrauding a State Health Plan and obtaining a benefit by fraud. The charges carry penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison, and $25,000 to $100,000 in fines. Each count of distribution is punishable by up to five years in prison and $15,000 in fines.

Investigators say Nwoga distributed controlled dangerous substances such as Oxycodone, alprazolam, clonazepam, and promethazine to patients out of the Poplar Grove Pharmacy, despite knowing the prescriptions were fraudulent. Nwoga also took cash in exchange for filling these prescriptions. Nwoga submitted claims for payment and reimbursement from Medicaid and other health benefits after filling the fraudulent prescriptions. Carter is alleged to have presented fraudulent prescriptions as well, sometimes with Nwoga's assistance, the selling the drugs to others. 

“Abuse of prescription drugs is an epidemic across the country and lives are being lost every day,” Frosh said. “My office is fighting to reduce the unlawful distribution of prescription drugs, whether sold over a pharmacist’s counter or on a street corner.”