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Oxycodone (Photo: DepositPhotos)
An 83-year-old Birmingham doctor is charged with running an illegal opioid pill mill operation that was conservatively valued at $17 million, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday.
Dr. John Kirkpatrick was charged with issuing prescription opiods to "fake" patients from May 2018 through March 2021 who had no legitimate need for the drugs. Roland Williams of Detroit, also charged in the scheme, was accused of recruiting patients and other activities.
The doctor was freed on a $10,000 unsecured bond after an initial court appearance Friday.
Dr. Kirkpatrick operated Southfield Medical Services on 12 Mile Road in Southfield.
Under the scheme, he only accepted cash at his clinic where he prescribed oxycodone and oxymorphone, two of the most addictive opioids with high street value, the federal prosecutor's office said.
Roland Williams and others created fraudulent medical records, including MRI reports and Michigan Automated Prescription System reports to give the appearance of legitimacy, authorities said.
During the conspiracy, Dr. Kirkpatrick prescribed more than 574,604 dosage units of opioids, according to the Justice Department.
