Las Vegas Doctor Convicted Of Unlawful Distribution Of Opioid Medications

LAS VEGAS — A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted a Las Vegas doctor Tuesday of unlawfully distributing opioid pain medications in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. William Alvear (68), of Las Vegas, unlawfully distributed Hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. In addition, Alvear unlawfully distributed and dispensed Alprazolam, common brand name Xanax. Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that also has the potential for abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence.

The jury convicted Alvear of three-counts of distributing a controlled substance – Schedule II and five-counts of distributing or dispensing a controlled substance – Schedule IV. The six-day jury trial was held before U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

Alvear faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Supriya Prasad and Kimberly Sokolich are prosecuting the case.

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