Opioid Crisis: 11 Physicians And More Charged In Appalachian Drug Sting

Federal charges are being brought against 13 individuals in the Appalachian region and West Virginia following a drug sting conducted by the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid strike force. Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Mike Stuart confirmed the news Tuesday at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia.

“To the doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals engaged in this egregious criminal behavior across Appalachia and our country, the data in our possession allows us to see you and see you clearly, no matter where you are,” Benczkowski said, according to WV Metro News. “And if you behave like a drug dealer, we will find you and ensure that the American justice system treats you like a drug dealer you are.”

Of the 13 criminal defendants charged, 11 of them are physicians from five Appalachian federal districts and the Southern District of West Virginia. Twelve of the individuals are being charged for unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances, resulting in the distribution of over 17 million pills.

Among the charged from the Southern District of West Virginia were, per the official release, Dr. Michael Shramowiat, 66, of Vienna; Dr. Ricky Houdersheldt, 67, of Ona; Dr. Sriramloo Kesari, 77, of Charleston; and Julie Wheeler, 43, of Oak Hill.

From the Southern District of Ohio were Troy Balgo, D.O., 53 and Freeda Flynn, M.D., 66, both of Saint Clairsville, Ohio, and Thomas Romano, M.D., 69, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged for his practice in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

One physician from Hurricane, West Virginia, was singled out by Benczkowksi for his questionable practices.

“[The doctor], as alleged, received calls from patients on his cell phone and met them in a car at a gas station or convenience store parking lot,” Benczkowksi described. “There, the doctor allegedly prescribed these patients oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, without performing any medical exam and without any legitimate medical reason.”