Tampa area pill mill doctor sentenced to prison

On May 23, a federal judge sentenced Edward Feldman, age 76, to 25 years in federal prison. As a doctor, he improperly prescribed pain medications to addicts in his Tampa area clinic, leading to three patient deaths, a jury found.

U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore told Feldman, “You became a drug pusher,” and said he would have the rest of his life “to think about that.” Ahead of Feldman’s sentencing hearing, he was facing a minimum of 20 years in prison and up to life. Talks between the judge and attorneys lowered the maximum to 30 years, but the minimum was set by statute.

Feldman asked the judge to show mercy in sentencing his wife, Kim Feldman, 66, who was scheduled to be sentenced after him. Ms. Feldman managed her husband’s office and was facing a possible sentence of between 15 and 19 years in prison, but her attorney had asked for probation.

After a 17-day trial in February, both Feldmans were convicted of multiple counts in a conspiracy that involved prescribing drugs outside of legitimate medical purposes. Feldman also relinquished his medical license in February.

Doctors and pain clinics and pharmacies found to have caused injury to patients through improper prescriptions can also be held accountable through civil lawsuits. Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one as a result of pharmaceutical negligence should contact Joyce & Reyes for a free consultation.

Tagged with: , ,