Florida pharmacist allegedly filled opioid prescriptions he knew were not valid

FLORIDA – A Tampa-area pharmacist is accused of unlawfully distributing opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid.

In a complaint filed on August 1 and unsealed Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Nathaniel Esalomi unlawfully distributed powerful opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, where he is the owner and sole pharmacist, the DOJ said in an announcement.

A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Esalomi from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, the DOJ said.

The complaint alleges that Esalomi charged dramatically inflated prices to fill opioid prescriptions and accepted thousands of dollars in cash for the drugs.

The complaint further alleges that Esalomi instructed individuals to forge signatures on certain forms and to falsify addresses. The complaint also alleges that Esalomi filled numerous controlled substance prescriptions for deceased persons.

“Pharmacists who knowingly fill invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances violate the law and endanger our communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

“The Department of Justice will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute medical professionals who put profit over public safety.”

The temporary restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The pending complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Esalomi from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances and from owning or supervising a pharmacy.

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie and Trial Attorneys Thomas S. Rosso and Scott B. Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are handling the case.

The claims made in the complaint are merely allegations that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial.