A Michigan man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for drug offenses.
Lavar Carter, 45, of Southfield, Mich., was sentenced for his part in the distribution of more than 90,000 doses of Oxycontin, Percocet and other opioids out of a local medical clinic, the U.S. Justice Department said in a March 8 news release.
“The devastation created by the opioid crisis harms our entire country," U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison said in the release. "My office will zealously pursue medical providers, clinic staff and others who inflict harm upon our community through illicit distribution of these powerful drugs."
Carter first became involved in the operation as a patient recruiter, gathering information from family members and individuals he met at soup kitchens in order to fill prescriptions for medically unwarranted opioids, the news release said.
At New Vision Rehab Center, where Carter eventually found work, he sent doctors lists of patient names and identifications he knew were used to issue and fill medically unjustified prescriptions, the release reported. Cash was traded for the prescriptions. Carter reportedly took part in the plot from May 2019 until June 2020.
While Carter was out on bond, he was seen "working at another pain clinic to assist in the illegal distribution of more opioids," the news release said.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Judge Bernard A. Friedman of the United States District Court imposed the sentence on Carter.
“The illegal distribution of opioids continues to have devastating effects on our community," James A. Tarasca, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit field office, said in the release. "The sentencing of Lavar Carter highlights how a partnership between the FBI, DEA and HHS leads to the successful prosecution of individuals who seek to profit off the addiction of others.”
