Oregon doctor accused of operating 'pill-mill' out of north Columbus faces 147 felony charges
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A doctor from Oregon accused of running a “pill mill” out of Franklin County was indicted in common pleas court and faces a judge Wednesday afternoon.
According to court documents, Dr. Mark Fettman, of Portland, Oregon, is accused of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, including knowingly trafficking narcotics, out of an office space in the 6100 block of Busch Boulevard, just off State Route 161 in north Columbus.
On October 15, 2021, a search warrant was executed as part of a long-term investigation of Fettman, who is facing 147 total felony charges, including 137 counts of drug trafficking. Those charges stem from incidents between January 7, 2021 and Oct. 14 of the same year.
Documents state Fettman, 76, was operating a “pill mill” after the State of Ohio began receiving complaints of his alleged practices. An investigation into Fettman included recordings and reports of an undercover investigator meeting with the doctor at his clinic on Busch Blvd.
Authorities believed that Fettman knowingly conducted office-based opioid treatment without complying with requirements of Ohio Admin. Code Rule 4731-33-03, which includes guidelines and regulations as it pertains to treatment for opioid addiction.
Fettman reportedly operated his clinic two days a month, when he saw patients and prescribed the maximum legal dosage of buprenorphine, a Schedule III opioid. He then allegedly accepted cash payments and money orders in the amount of $290 and did not accept patient insurance.
The undercover investigator stated that Fettman told him, “When you see me, I’d like you to pay me right off the bat,” before receiving a prescription for Suboxone.
Fettman was arrested on Oct. 15, 2021. Two weeks ago, he was indicted on 137 counts of drug trafficking, nine counts of money laundering, and one count of engaging in corrupt activity.
An arraignment hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.