ELKINS, W.Va. — The Fairmont doctor subject of a wide-ranging drug investigation was convicted on various charges Tuesday when she pleaded no contest in federal court in Elkins.
U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld said Dr. Edita Milan, 75, unlawfully prescribed painkillers through her Bridgeport medical practice.
“Today’s hearing is the end game for Dr. Milan, who let her greed overcome her morals and common sense and whose prescribing practices led to multiple overdose deaths, Ihlenfeld said in a news release. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our state and local partners to ensure that pharmaceutical drugs are being used for legitimate medical needs, and I commend the Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for helping to bring this doctor to justice. I’m hopeful that prosecutions like this one will lead to a reduction in prescription drug overdoses in North Central West Virginia.”
Milan pleaded no contest to the following charges:
– One count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises,” for which she faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000.00.
– One count of “Distribution of Schedule III and IV Substances.” She faces up to teb years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.00 on the Schedule III charge and up to five years in prison and fine of up to $250,000.00 on the Schedule IV charge.
– One count of “Distribution of Schedule II and IV Substances.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 on the Schedule II charge and up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on the Schedule IV charge.
– Two counts of “Distribution of Schedule II Controlled Substances.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 on each count.
Ihlenfeld said the federal government did oppose the no contest plea. He said it has the same effect as a guilty plea.
Milan will be sentenced at a later date.