BIRMINGHAM PHYSICIAN SENTENCED TO PROBATION FOR PHARMACEUTICAL MISCONDUCT

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A Birmingham-area physician was found guilty of one misdemeanor count of misbranding under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and sentenced to serve a term of probation for one year . A Criminal Information was filed September 1, 2006 in U.S. District Court.
SANDRA LOU ZAHRADKA, 50, of Hoover, Alabama, pled guilty this morning to signing several "blank" prescription pads which resulted in controlled substances including diazepam and oxycodone being improperly dispensed.

"Dr. Zahradka's actions caused certain controlled substances to be dispensed without a valid written prescription" said United States Attorney Alice H. Martin. "Physicians must ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only to those individuals who need the medication."

The maximum penalty for misdemeanor misbranding is not more than one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. ZAHRADRA has been ordered to serve probation for a year and pay a fine of $1,000.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd C. Peeples was the lead attorney in the criminal prosecution.