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If convicted, Okafor faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of distribution, which would amount to 320 years.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A Maryland doctor is facing charges after officials say he was caught selling opioids for cash inside exam rooms.
According to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, 63-year-old Ndubuisi Joseph Okafor, M.D. was arrested Tuesday and charged with 16 counts of illegal distribution of opioids.
Court documents allege that Okafor sold oxycodone to people without a legitimate medicinal purpose at his practice in D.C. Officials claim Okafor performed only cursory evaluations and would sell opioids for cash inside examination rooms.
If convicted, Okafor faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count, which would equal 320 years.
The DEA has served the paperwork for an immediate suspension order on Okafor's registration, saying he "posed an imminent danger to public health and safety due to the volume of unlawful distribution of opioids."
If you, or someone you know, need help with substance abuse there are several resources available:
- Search for substance use treatment facilities through https://findtreatment.gov/
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org, a Maryland suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline
- Naloxone: Click here for a locator map to find the overdose-reversing drug. Naloxone may also be found in your local pharmacy and billed to insurance and Medicaid
- District of Columbia residents needing information about mental health or substance use disorder services, please call the Department of Behavioral Health 24/7 Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 or visit www.dbh.dc.gov
- In addition, those needing access to opioid treatment service can contact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359.
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