FBI: Rockville Physician Allegedly Ran 'Pill Mill'

A Rockville physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing controlled dangerous substances without a legitimate, medical purpose after one patient reportedly died as a result of using a wrongly prescribed drug.

Silviu Ziscovici, also known as “Dr. Z.,” 59, of Rockville, faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, distribution of controlled dangerous substances resulting in death and money laundering.

The 29-count indictment alleges that from July 2009 to June 22, 2013, Ziscovici prescribed the addictive drugs oxycodone, methadone, morphine, alprazolam and other drugs to patients who did not need them. His office, according to the FBI, served as a “pill mill” where people paid to obtain prescriptions without medical need.

“Providing prescription drugs to people who do not need them is no different than distributing illegal street drugs,” said Valerie Parlave, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “When abused and used outside of legitimate medical purposes, pain medications have dangerous effects on users.”

On February 2, 2010, Ziscovici allegedly distributed methadone to a patient who died as a result of using the drug, according to federal authorities.

Ziscovici is also charged with using the proceeds from drug distribution to purchase a vehicle, using a check written on his business checking account.

If found guilty for distribution of controlled substances resulting in death, Ziscovici faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to life in prison. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the 26 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 10 years in prison for money laundering.

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