The former CEO of Blairsville, Ga.-based Union General Hospital, along with two physicians, were indicted for illegally prescribing and obtaining thousands of doses of prescription pain medications, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Michael Gowder, DDS, former CEO of Union General Hospital, and David Gowder, MD, the hospital's former emergency room director, conspired to illegally obtain oxycodone, hydrocodone and alprazolam, according to officials.
The second physician, James Heaton, MD, is charged with illegally prescribing oxycodone and other controlled substances to Dr. Michael Gowder and his family members, along with others.
Dr. David Gowder, who allegedly unlawfully obtained medications from hospital patients, is accused of illegally issuing prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone and alprazolam in the names of his and Dr. Michael Gowder's family members, existing hospital patients and patients who did not exist.
Dr. David Gowder reportedly directed hospital employees to fill these prescriptions at local pharmacies, providing cash to pay for the drugs and return them to him, according to officials.
"These defendants allegedly abused their positions as medical professionals to obtain illegitimately thousands of doses of prescription pain medications and now face serious federal charges," U.S. Attorney BJay Pak said.
The three men appeared in federal court in Gainesville, Ga., April 9 for arraignment, according to the report.