First pharmaceutical executive sentenced to jail for selling opioids in the United States

Nathan Rivera

08/03/2023

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Fentanyl, a highly addictive substance

Photo: AGNES BUN/AFP/Getty Images

Laurence Doud, who for years ran the Rochester Drug Cooperative (RDC) company, is the The first pharmaceutical company manager to be criminally convicted for his role in the opioid crisis in the United States.

After being convicted by a jury last year, 79-year-old Doud was sentenced today by a New York judge to 27 months in jail, three years probation and a $100,000 fine. “Laurence Doud cared more about his own payroll than his responsibility as DRC CEO to prevent dangerous opioids from reaching pharmacies, drug dealers and people with addiction problems,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.

According to Williams, this ruling holds the executive accountable for supplying huge amounts of oxycodone and fentanyl to pharmacies it knew were distributing those substances illegally. Prosecutors explained during the process that these sales took place over years despite the fact that the company's own services They had warned of the problem due to suspicious orders from those establishments.

107,000 Americans died in 2021 from drug overdoses

In addition to violating drug laws, Doud was convicted of defrauding federal authorities by failing to notify them that those pharmacies were illegally diverting narcotics. Under Doud's leadership, RDC became one of the ten largest pharmaceutical distributors in the United States and the fourth largest in the New York area, with annual sales in excess of $1 billion.

The company, also a defendant in this case, settled with the government and paid a $20 million fine, while another senior official, William Pietruszewski, pleaded guilty and testified in Doud's trial.

According to official data, more than 107,000 Americans died in 2021 from drug overdoses and it is estimated that more than 80,000 of those cases involved at least one opioid. Between 1999 and 2019, an estimated half a million people died in the United States from opioid overdoses. In recent years, numerous pharmaceutical companies have been sued for their role in this crisis and have paid billions of dollars in compensation.

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Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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