Feds Charge Five in 'Pill Mill' Case

A large number of patients — most from out of state — tipped off law enforcement officers to an alleged "pill mill" at 16 Collins Drive. Authorities say more than $1 million was at stake in the lucrative business that had operated for about a year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today announced the indictments of five people in connection the recent on Atlanta Medical Group. Jason Cole Votrobek, 27, and Jesse Violante, 22, both of Vero Beach, FL, who owned the clinic; Roland Rafael Castellanos, 32, and Tara Atkins, 33, both of Cartersville, who managed the clinic; and James Chapman, 61, of Macon, who was the primary doctor, were each indicted on federal drug and money laundering charges for their roles in the alleged "pill mill," which authorities say was a front for the illegal distribution of addictive pain killers.

In May of 2010, after local law enforcement officers learned the clinic was prescribing pills outside the bounds of legitimate medical practice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service and federal and state bureaus of investigation, along with local authorities, expanded the investigation into Atlanta Medical Group.

Prosecuting attorneys say Votrobek, Violante and Castellanos financed and operated the clinic, while Atkins served as the office manager.

"They worked together to procure and distribute oxycodone pills to addicts and illegitimate distributors. The clinic's doctor was directed by the owners and managers to see as many patients as possible in order to generate substantial profits through the sale of pills, which were largely dispenses on site," the press release states. "Chapman allegedly did so, however, without conducting sufficient medical examinations. The indictment alleges that at least on one occasion, Atkins faciliated the filling of prescriptions when the doctor was unable to do so himself. In addition, the amounts of pills distributed to patients were excessive and with unusual dosage patterns."

In addition to really being a drug distribution center with a high volume of patients from surrounding states, the indictment alleges many of those patients had apparent signs of addiction.

"The clinic allegedly engaged in unusual practices, including permitting non-medical staff to assist with medical procedures, including taking blood pressure, to maximize the number of patients seen," according to the press release. "The defendants allegedly made millons of dollars during the clinic's approximate one year of operation. The indictment charges the defendants established multiple bank accounts, many in third-party names, to conceal the windfall profits."

Read more about pain clinics, prescription drug abuse and this case .