A Murray optometrist has pleaded guilty to allegations he prescribed drugs and provided medical services after he had lost those privileges.
Rick Samuel Robison pleaded to forging a prescription and possession of a controlled substance, both third-degree felonies. In exchange for his guilty pleas, prosecutors dismissed one count of forging a prescription, one count of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of unlawful professional conduct, all third-degree felonies.
Robison faces up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines when he is sentenced May 21.
Robison, 43, surrendered his rights in June 1998 to prescribe controlled substances and agreed to a five-year probation on his Utah Optometrist License, according to court documents.
In February 1999, Robison wrote a prescription for an employee at his Murray eye practice who said she was suffering from migraine headaches. Robison used another doctor's name and Drug Enforcement Administration prescribing number, charges state.
The woman filled the prescription, brought it to work and left it where it was available to others, charges state. Robison allegedly took "his share" of the medication out of the pharmacy bag, according to the charges.
In May 2000, DEA says agents posing as patients went to Robison's office. Robison allegedly wrote prescriptions for the "patients." The agents reportedly filled the prescriptions at a local pharmacy. Robison allegedly met them in the parking lot and paid money for some of the drugs. The agents then arrested him.
According to court documents, Robison admitted to forging the prescriptions and told police he was an addict.
Although Robison in July 2000 surrendered his license to practice optometry in Utah, he allegedly continued to practice through late November 2000 when two representatives from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing visited his office, again covertly, acting as a husband-wife couple.
E-MAIL: awelling@desnews.com