Alabama “Pill Mill” Case Poses Questions for Divorce Lawyers

July 12, 2017
Written on behalf of Daniel H. Chambers Attorney at Law, P .C.

A federal case against two Alabama doctors involves millions of dollars in seized assets—and a spouse and two children who are seeking a share of those assets in a family law battle.

The case brought by the federal government charged two Mobile doctors with running an illegal “pill mill” that provided controlled medications to patients with little or no oversight or treatment rationale. The doctors were found guilty in February 2017. As part of the case, the court ordered that the doctors forfeit millions in assets made off their illegal activities, including cash, luxury cars, houses, and condos.

The U.S. Marshals Service has seized some of the assets, many of which have been ordered to be sold until the court can determine who gets what. The Department of Justice is seeking a monetary judgment of at least five million dollars, while the Department of Defense—which was involved when military healthcare programs paid many of the “pill mill” claims—is also seeking compensation. Several other businesses have also announced their presence as interested parties in the lawsuit.

What sets this case apart from other federal forfeiture claims, however, is the addition of a divorce claim. The wife of one of the convicted doctors is seeking a divorce, in which she claims that 50 percent of the marital assets are rightfully hers—and that the marital assets should rightly include the luxury vehicles, stock and commercial property interests, and other assets that have been seized by the U.S. Marshals.

The case also includes a claim by the couple’s two daughters, who are seeking the funds from two college accounts that prosecutors claim were funded by the illegal proceeds from the “pill mill.”

If you’re considering divorce, an experienced Alabama divorce and family law attorney can be the ally you need to help you build the future you envision.