Charlottesville Dermatologist Sentenced for Diverting Pain Medication

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.,  – A dermatologist formerly employed at a dermatological practice  in the City of Charlottesville was sentenced last week to 12 months’ probation, including a period of home confinement and electronic monitoring, for using the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number of her co-workers to obtain prescription opioid pain medication.  

Dr. Amalie Shaffner Derdeyn, 48, of Charlottesville, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to three counts of using the DEA registration numbers of another person to obtain one or more controlled substances.

According to court documents, between July 2015 and November 2016, Derdeyn diverted large quantities of injectable meperidine, a Schedule II pain medication, known by the brand name Demerol. She did so by using her own DEA registration number, as well as the DEA registration numbers of other physicians in the practice, without their knowledge or consent, to obtain the drugs from local pharmacies. As part of her plea agreement with the United States, Derdeyn agreed to pay $33,000 in restitution to victims no later than the date of her sentencing hearing, and to pay all remaining restitution before her period of probation ends.  According to government filings, the restitution owed to victims may be as much as $45,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of North Carolina; and Jared Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, with assistance from the Virginia State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kari Munro and Michael Baudinet prosecuted the case for the United States.