Las Vegas Doctor Sentenced To Over Two Years In Prison For Unlawful Distribution Of Opioid Medications

LAS VEGAS - A Las Vegas doctor was sentenced today by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of $75,000 for unlawfully distributing opioid pain medications without a medically legitimate purpose.

"By prescribing medically unnecessary prescription medications in exchange for cash payments, the defendant put vulnerable patients at risk," said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to find and investigate practitioners in the medical community who target and victimize vulnerable populations."

According to court documents, Dr. William Alvear (69) unlawfully distributed Hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Instead, he prescribed opioids when a patient offered to pay him cash. In addition, Alvear unlawfully distributed and dispensed Alprazolam, common brand name Xanax.

Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that also has the potential for abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence. Hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

In November 2023, following a six-day jury trial, Alvear was found guilty of three-counts of distributing a controlled substance - Schedule II and five-counts of distributing or dispensing a controlled substance - Schedule IV.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Evans made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

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