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Press Release

Physician And Medical Assistant Convicted Of Conspiracy To Distribute Large Quantities Of Oxycodone For Non-Medical Necessity

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Dr. Henri Wetselaar, MD, 93, and David A. Litwin, 58, were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of oxycodone and other controlled substances, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.

According to the indictment, Wetselaar was a Nevada physician practicing as a specialist in pain management. Litwin was alleged to be his medical assistant.

According to the indictment, Wetselaar and Litwin conspired with each other and local drug dealers to distribute the prescription drugs in and around Las Vegas. Wetselaar prescribed large amounts of highly addictive prescription drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and Soma, to persons for no legitimate medical purpose.

Following a 10-week jury trial, Wetselaar and Litwin were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. In addition, Wetselaar was found guilty of money laundering and structuring of money transactions.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Kent Dawson. At the time of sentencing, Wetselaar and Litwin each face a mandatory prison sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Silva and Andrew Duncan.

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Updated March 24, 2017

Topics
Financial Fraud
Prescription Drugs
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