For immediate release: Dec. 2, 2011

Amsterdam man sentenced for doctor, pharmacy shopping

Thomas McAllister used workers' comp claim to illegally obtain narcotics

COLUMBUS – An Amsterdam (Jefferson County) man who used deception to obtain narcotic prescriptions was sentenced this week in a Franklin County courtroom. Thomas McAllister had a valid claim for a workplace injury with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) but he was found to be abusing the system by visiting multiple physicians and pharmacies in order to receive more narcotics than necessary.

"Medications are often a very necessary part of the recovery process and play an important role in an overall treatment plan aimed at getting workers healthy and back on the job as quickly as possible," said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer. "Mr. McAllister invited trouble by attempting to exploit the system so he could get his hands on more narcotics than deemed a necessary part of that plan."

BWC's special investigations department suspected McAllister was receiving narcotic prescriptions from several physicians and pharmacies. Their investigation confirmed that he used deception to obtain 11 prescriptions from three prescribing physicians.

McAllister entered a guilty plea in October to a felony count of deception to obtain dangerous drugs. Judge Beatty sentenced McAllister this week to 30 days in the Franklin County jail. He was also ordered to pay $424 in restitution, and his driver's license will be suspended for six months.

You can report suspected workers' compensation fraud here, or call 1-800-OHIOBWC or visit www.facebook.com/ohiobwcfraud.

Editor's note: Photo available for download

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