William & Mary Pharmacy
The William & Mary Pharmacy was an internet-based pharmacy which operated out of Gardendale and Fultondale from May 2002 to March 2006 when it was closed by federal authorities. The company is estimated to have illegally sold over $6 million worth of hydrocodone-based drugs improperly prescribed by doctors associated with the pharmacy who never examined customers in person.
Pharmacist James E. Maddox Jr of Montevallo and Stephens C. Puckett of Birmingham, business manager of William & Mary, were both charged on November 28, 2007, along with a pair of married physicians in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr Theresa Nanette Barnes of Gardendale and a doctor from Hawaii were charged in January 2008. Pharmacist Billy Flint East of Fultondale was charged on February 29, 2008.
East pleaded guilty to one count of illegal distribution of a controlled substance and one count of money laundering on May 13. He served three years in federal prison and surrendered his pharmacy license.
References
- "Feds close Internet pharmacy in suburban Birmingham; 4 charged." (November 28, 2007) Associated Press.
- Walton, Val (May 13, 2008) "Pharmacist agrees to plead guilty in internet drug operation." The Birmingham News