Jefferson County Doctor Sentenced For Unlawful Drug Distribution

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Jefferson County doctor was sentenced this week to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to prescribing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and engaging in health care fraud.

Dr. Paul Roberts, a physician and former co-owner of Southeast Urgent Care in Fultondale pleaded guilty to 12 counts of prescribing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, including allowing unqualified staff such as an X-ray technician, to prescribe controlled substances to patients using prescriptions that Roberts pre-signed, according to court records.

Records also show that Roberts prescribed controlled substances to two women, in exchange for, or in an attempt to obtain sexual favors from them.

Roberts also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy and scheme to fraudulently bill Blue Cross Blue Shield for office visits. In addition, he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy and scheme to fraudulently bill health insurance companies for up to $2.2 million worth of medically unnecessary compounded drugs in exchange for kickbacks.

Roberts was ordered to pay restitution of $2.2 million, a fine of $100,000, and 12 years of supervision following his release from prison. The U.S. Marshals took Roberts into custody at sentencing. As part of the plea agreement, Roberts agreed to relinquish all his medical licenses, including his Alabama medical license.