Gulf Breeze doctor arrested for murder in pill mill case; others charged

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested a Gulf Breeze doctor on charges of murder, manslaughter, and racketeering in connection with an illegal drug ring operating throughout Northwest Florida.

According to the FDLE, the multiyear investigation revealed that Dr Elaine Sharp, 72, ran a pill mill out of her Gulf Breeze office, where several patients overdosed on opioids she prescribed.

The FDLE said the investigation, which began in February 2021 after complaints from local pharmacists about large oxycodone prescriptions, was conducted with the help of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to FDLE agents, Dr Sharp’s clinic was a significant source of illegal drugs in the area, attracting drug dealers from across the Southeast.

“Shutting down this pill mill unquestionably made our community safer,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams.

“We know this drug ring, led by Dr Elaine Sharp, was a major contributor of illegal drugs flowing into our neighborhoods and even attracting drug dealers from throughout the Southeast looking for an easy way to obtain these drugs.”

Several additional suspects were arrested, accused of selling drugs prescribed by Dr Sharp. Many were reportedly prescribed 120 oxycodone pills per month without a legitimate medical need.

Arrests were made on October 3, and the case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.

Arrests include:

— Dr. Elaine Sharp, 72, Pensacola Beach — Charges: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawfully prescribing for monetary gain, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and more.

— Tammy Zell, 58, Gulf Breeze — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone, doctor shopping.

— Cheryl Tassin, 63, Milton — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.

— Jessica Michael, 43, Navarre — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone and hydromorphone.

— Kevin McLemore, 37, Pensacola — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.

— Mark Heath, 63, Pensacola — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, healthcare kickback.

— Jenni Harrell, 48, Pensacola — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.

— Gary Eckard, 60, Pace — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone, doctor shopping.

— Kristopher Desposito, 22, Pensacola — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.

— Shanna Castleberry, 39, Navarre — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking hydromorphone and oxycodone.

— Shawn Winchester, 54, Pensacola — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.

— Mickey Bowman, 53, Pensacola (At Large) — Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone.