West Virginia physician admits to illegally distributing drugs

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Felix Brizuela, Jr., of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, has admitted to illegally distributing controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Brizuela, age 59, of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Brizuela admitted to illegally distributing oxycodone in Monongalia County in August 2013. Based upon the plea agreement, Brizuela was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release, during which time he is not permitted to seek authority to prescribe any medications or controlled substances. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division, WV Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Hancock-Brook-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Weirton Police Department investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.