A federal court has permanently barred Tampa-area pharmacist Nathaniel Esalomi from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. The decision follows allegations that Esalomi, as owner and sole pharmacist at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, violated the Controlled Substances Act by unlawfully distributing opioids.
The complaint, filed in August 2022, accused Esalomi of knowingly filling invalid opioid prescriptions, charging inflated prices, accepting large sums of cash for the drugs, instructing individuals to forge signatures and falsify addresses, and dispensing controlled substances to deceased persons.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division stated: “Medical professionals who knowingly facilitate the abuse of opioids violate their legal obligations. The Department will pursue justice against anyone who seeks to profit from unlawfully distributing opioids.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida said: “The opioid epidemic has devastated not only our communities here in Florida but the entire nation. Our office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who contributed to this crisis.”
Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division added: “Approximately 70 percent of all drug overdose deaths in America involve opioids. This epidemic began in the mid-1990s, and it’s still something we’re fighting. We will remain steadfast in our effort to remove these poisons from our communities.”
Esalomi agreed to a consent judgment settling the civil allegations. Under this order, he is permanently prohibited from distributing controlled substances or managing any entity that dispenses them. He must pay $10,000 out of a suspended $500,000 civil penalty. Apexx Pharmacy was dissolved after the complaint was filed and remains closed under the consent order terms. In a related criminal case brought by the State of Florida, Esalomi pleaded no contest.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber issued the judgment and permanent injunction in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The investigation was conducted by DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad based in Tampa.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn B. Tapie and Alexandra N. Karahalios handled the case for the Middle District of Florida with Trial Attorney Scott B. Dahlquist from the Justice Department’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch.
The claims made are allegations that would have required proof by a preponderance of evidence if taken to trial.
