CLEVELAND — A Mansfield doctor accused of prescribing tens of thousands of doses of opioids to an alleged drug trafficker in a conspiracy to sell and distribute the narcotics has been indicted on a slew of federal charges.
The doctor, Gary Frantz, 67, and his “patient,” Christopher Fulk, 42, of Mansfield are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone and other charges, according to the 242-count indictment.
Authorities say Frantz prescribed unneeded medication to Fulk who then sold and distributed the drugs.
The federal indictment alleges that between 2005 and 2017, Frantz prescribed thousands of doses of oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and fentanyl out of his office in Mansfield.
The indictment states that “Frantz prescribed drugs to customers that he described as 'patients' outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.'"
The indictment states Frantz gave Fulk daily prescriptions of 60 30mg oxycodone pills, more than 10 methadone pills and other drugs such as fentanyl patches and 80mg oxycodone pills.
“Medical professionals, especially doctors, serve a vital function in preventing the illegal diversion of opioid medication,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Detroit Division. “This indictment, and others like it around the country, demonstrate our commitment to prosecuting licensed professionals who flood communities with addictive legal drugs for their own personal benefit.”
