Multiple Count Indictment Including Illegal Distribution of Opioids Resulting in Death

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston returned a 15-count indictment against Muhammed Samer Nasher-Alneam, M.D.  Stuart commended the agencies that conducted the investigation leading to the indictment:  Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the West Virginia State Police.   

The indictment charges Dr. Nasher with 9 counts of distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, including the opioids hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, and oxymorphone, not for legitimate medical purposes and beyond the bounds of medical practice. Two of those counts allege that the unlawful distribution of opioids resulted in the death of the patient. The indictment also alleges that Dr. Nasher maintained two different office spaces for the purpose of illegally distributing drugs. Finally, the indictment alleges that Dr. Nasher transferred proceeds from drug distribution to Turkey for the purpose of concealing the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the proceeds.

The indictment is the result of the formation of the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU), a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributors to the national opioid crisis.  The Southern District of West Virginia is one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the pilot program. 

“This United States Attorney plans to hold accountable medical providers that chose greed over patient care,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Due to the funding provided because of the incredible commitment of this administration and Attorney General Sessions, we are aggressively going after doctors, pharmacies and other medical providers that contribute to the opiate epidemic purely for money. No medical provider should prey on individuals suffering from drug addiction for reasons rooted in personal greed.  Far too many West Virginians lose their lives every year to opioid overdoses. The resources of the OFADU will make a big difference in our state and enable us to reverse the trend of overdose deaths.  Drug dealers with a medical degree are still drug dealers.”

"This investigation highlights the FBI's commitment to combating the illegal distribution of opioids and narcotics by doctors," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nick Boshears. "Patients put their trust in doctors, and the FBI will continue to investigate those who exploit that trust and jeopardize the health of patients."

Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Meredith George Thomas are handling the prosecution.

The indictment can be found

Please note:  An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

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