‘Rock Doc’ sentenced to 20 years in illegal opioid case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A West Tennessee nurse practitioner convicted of illegally prescribing opioids was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee said.

Jeffrey Young, 49, of Jackson, was convicted almost a year ago on charges that he illegally prescribed more than 100,000 doses of substances including oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl to hundreds of patients.

‘Rock Doc’ convicted in opioid distribution conspiracy

Young was known by many as the “Rock Doc.” Federal prosecutors said he maintained a “party-like atmosphere” at his practice, Preventagenix, and was prescribing the drugs to boost his popularity on social media while promoting a self-produced reality TV show pilot based off his persona.

“The self-proclaimed ‘Rock Doc’ abused the power of the prescription pad to supply his small community with hundreds of thousands of doses of highly addictive prescription opioids to obtain money, notoriety, and sexual favors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in a statement.

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One of his patients allegedly included a pregnant woman with whom he was having an inappropriate sexual relationship, prosecutors said.

“This sentence sends a strong message that healthcare professionals who prey on those who suffer from addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers … ,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz.

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