Philadelphia Pill Mill Doctor Convicted

PHILADELPHIA—Richard Minicozzi, M.D., 78, of Philadelphia, was convicted today of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and 17 counts of distribution of controlled substances for running a pill mill out of his office located at 731 Morris Street in Philadelphia. Minicozzi was distributing hydrocodone (“Vicodin”) and alprazolam (“Xanax”) and was selling prescriptions for oxycodone. Minicozzi ordered the drugs from a supplier and had them shipped to his office in small boxes which he then sold to cash-paying customers who had no legitimate need for the drugs and without a physical examination. Minicozzi and his office assistant, Joan Israel, who previously pleaded guilty, created phony medical records for his drug-buying customers.

Minicozzi will be sentenced on July 2, 2012 by U.S. District Court Judge J. Curtis Joyner and faces at least 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Kay Costello.