Defendant Sentenced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Charge of Unlawful Dispensation of Controlled Substances

BATON ROUGE, LA—United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DONALD P. AUZINE, age 39, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson on a charge of unlawful dispensation of controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

AUZINE was a physician registered by the DEA to dispense controlled substances in the course of his professional practice.  From June 2007 through March 2008, AUZINE either prescribed or directed the dispensing of the following controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of medical practice:  Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance; Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance; Hydrocodone, a Schedule III controlled substance; and Benzphetamine, a Schedule III controlled substance.

AUZINE pled guilty on May 19, 2008, and was sentenced today to a term of imprisonment of thirty-seven months followed by a term of supervised release of three years, and a $10,000 fine.  AUZINE was released on bond and was ordered to report to a facility designated by the Bureau of Prisons on June 1, 2009.

“Medical doctors occupy a special position of privilege and trust in our society.  Doctors who abuse that trust by illegally dispensing controlled substances are subject to the Controlled Substances Act and will be dealt with accordingly,” said U. S. Attorney David R. Dugas.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph E. Blackwell.