Couple Operated Massive Fraudulent Prescription Drug Ring

Corinthia Watson and her husband, Jerry Smith of Hull, Georgia were sentenced for possession with intent to distribute prescription drugs they illegally obtained. Mr. Smith was sentenced to 70 months and Mrs. Watson was sentenced to 51 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.

Watson, who was working as an assistant at a neurology practice in Monroe, stole her employer’s Drug Enforcement Administration number and a prescription pad, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Macon.

“With significant assistance from others, including her husband, Mr. Smith, the couple operated a massive fraudulent prescription drug ring from September 2011 to December 2012,” according to the release.

They sold prescriptions, some for as much as $300 each, to hundreds of people that resulted in the illegal distribution of more than 60,000 dosages of drugs including oxycodone, hydrocodone and Alprazolam.

When pharmacies called the medical office to verify a prescription, Watson intercepted the calls and vouched for the fraudulent prescriptions, authorities said.

The investigation revealed the scheme unraveled when Watson called in sick one day and authorities said her coworkers stumbled upon the fraudulent activity when a pharmacy called to verify one of the fraudulent prescriptions.