On May 2nd, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a lengthy sentence in a case involving the unlawful distribution of opioids. Thomas Romano, a 74-year-old resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, owned and operated a pain management clinic in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio.
Individuals reportedly traveled long distances to Ramono’s clinic to obtain prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Court documents and trial evidence indicated that Romano’s prescriptions often exceeded recommended dosages and were allegedly comprised of dangerous combinations that exacerbated addiction in his patients. Between October 2014 and September 2019, Romano allegedly prescribed over 137,000 pills to nine individuals, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants.
This sentencing follows Romano’s conviction in the Southern District of Ohio on September 20, 2023. The federal jury found him guilty on 24 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Each count carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. However, Romano was ultimately sentenced to seven years in prison, as determined by the federal district court judge.
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