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West Palm Beach VA Employees Accused Of Selling Prescription Drugs To Veterans

According to the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office, multiple VA employees from the West Palm Beach Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center failed its mission by contributing to veterans' substance abuse.

State Attorney Michael McAuliffe referred to the medical center as a "pill mill" following the arrest of 6 VA employees, multiple veterans, as well as others. The arrests came at the end of a 7-month operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 6,000 oxycodone pills, two vehicles, and almost $200,000 cash. The arrested individuals were charged with selling oxycodone and/or marijuana at the hospital. Some of those charged could spend up to 75 years of incarceration.

McAuliffe equated trafficking prescription drugs to bullying as prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the world of veterans disability. Two of the VA employees serve as respiratory therapists within the VA clinic. Both of them will be charged with multiple counts of trafficking oxycodone as well as a single count of selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of a place of worship. Another VA employee, who was a certified pharmacy technician, will be charged with a single count of conspiracy to traffic oxycodone.

Officials arrested 12 other people connected to their investigation. If convicted, each of these people will serve no longer than 15 years in jail.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.