Six Arrested in Connection to Racketeering Organization
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration West Palm Beach District Office announced the arrests of six medical professionals in connection to racketeering and money laundering. Lancelot James is the alleged leader of the criminal organization that includes physicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. As a result of the investigation, authorities also seized $500,000 in luxury cars.
According to the investigation, James distributed more than two million Phentermine pills, a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, by purchasing the drug from various distributors. Patients filled out requests for Phentermine online and pharmacies, owned by members of the organization, directly shipped pills monthly by using UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service. This scheme allowed patients to receive large quantities of controlled substances without the conduction of physical examinations.
The defendants allegedly laundered more than four million dollars in drug proceeds through more than 28 bank accounts controlled by James. According to the investigation, James and his wife, Sherri-Ann Thelwell-James, spent millions of dollars on real estate, luxury automobiles, lavish vacations and other personal purchases.
The following individuals have been arrested in connection to this case:
· Adesumbo Adesioye, Sunrise;
· Lancelot Fitzgerald James, Parkland;
· Dr. Jean Mario Pierre, Hollywood;
· Doretha Thompson Robinson, Fort Lauderdale;
· Sherrie-Ann Nathlie Thelwell-James, Parkland; and
· Claude Edward White, Pembroke Pines.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case. The case is ongoing and additional arrests and asset seizures are anticipated.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration West Palm Beach District Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Enforcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Boynton Beach Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
