Annandale-based doctor pleads guilty in large-scale drug distribution scheme

Alexandria, Virginia – An Annandale-based doctor has pled guilty to federal charges after conspiring with others to illegally distribute more than 7,000 oxycodone pills, 34,000 milliliters of hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution, and 107,000 milliliters of promethazine-codeine solution.

Rotimi Iluyomade, 68, of Alexandria, Virginia, pled guilty in federal court this week to two counts: conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and money laundering. This guilty plea came after Iluyomade waived his right to be indicted, admitting his role in a scheme that spanned multiple states.

A Breach of Medical Ethics

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh expressed disappointment in the doctor’s actions, saying, “Every doctor takes an oath to treat their patient and to do no harm, but when a doctor falls short of that oath, they must be held accountable.” He emphasized the harm caused by Iluyomade’s activities, adding, “A doctor put many in harm’s way. I am grateful to those who worked to stop the supply of these addictive and dangerous substances from reaching our communities and holding accountable a doctor who profited from the addictions of others.”

Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, Jarod Forget, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the reckless behavior of the doctor. “Healthcare providers have a vital responsibility when it comes to dispensing medications,” Forget said. “This plea demonstrates Iluyomade’s criminal indifference to the lives of others… His reckless and fraudulent practices placed profits over the fragile lives of others.”

Details of the Conspiracy

According to court documents, Iluyomade, along with at least eight other co-conspirators, began distributing controlled substances such as oxycodone pills and hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution in 2023. Additionally, the group sought to acquire and distribute promethazine-codeine solution by fraudulent means, using a medical clinic in Annandale, Virginia, called Crossover Medical Center, as the hub for these illegal activities.

The conspiracy began after Iluyomade, a long-practicing emergency medicine physician with nearly 30 years of experience, opened a pain management and weight loss clinic at Crossover Medical Center in 2022. Shortly after opening, an individual approached the clinic seeking a prescription for promethazine-codeine solution, commonly known as “lean” or “purple drank,” citing a chronic cough. Iluyomade issued the prescription following an examination.

However, the individual later revealed they were not using the drug themselves but selling it for profit. Despite knowing this, Iluyomade continued to issue fraudulent prescriptions for promethazine-codeine, along with oxycodone pills and hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine, to multiple individuals.

Fraudulent Prescriptions Across Multiple States

By 2023, numerous individuals were frequenting Iluyomade’s clinic, requesting prescriptions for controlled substances under fraudulent pretenses. These individuals would often supply Iluyomade with lists of fake patients, along with false addresses and variations of real names. Without conducting any medical examinations, Iluyomade sent these prescriptions to pharmacies across the country. To make these prescriptions appear legitimate, he often co-prescribed non-controlled substances such as antibiotics or steroids.

Iluyomade was paid $300 for each fraudulent prescription he wrote, knowing that the drugs had no legitimate medical purpose. His sole motivation, according to authorities, was personal financial gain.

In total, at least 70 fraudulent prescriptions were transmitted to pharmacies within the Western District of Virginia. Many of these prescriptions were filled, contributing to the wider distribution of the controlled substances.

Law Enforcement’s Role in Bringing Iluyomade to Justice

The extensive investigation that led to Iluyomade’s guilty plea involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Virginia State Police, and the Loudoun and Russell County Sheriff’s Offices. The Salisbury, Maryland Police Department also provided key assistance, as did the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

These agencies worked together to bring down Iluyomade’s operation, which, according to law enforcement, posed a serious threat to the public. Promethazine-codeine, often abused for its euphoric effects, has long been linked to addiction and misuse, particularly when combined with other substances. Similarly, oxycodone and hydrocodone are powerful prescription painkillers that have played a significant role in the opioid crisis gripping the United States.

Upcoming Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

Iluyomade’s guilty plea brings him one step closer to facing the consequences of his actions. Sentencing is expected to follow soon, and the outcome will determine the extent of the punishment for his role in this dangerous conspiracy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is leading the prosecution.

While Iluyomade awaits sentencing, his guilty plea is already being hailed as a victory in the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis and the illegal distribution of controlled substances. As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the country, law enforcement agencies remain committed to targeting those responsible for fueling the crisis, whether they are drug dealers or medical professionals abusing their positions.