A pharmacist from Gate City, Virginia, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for tampering with prescription drugs. Dillon West Breeding, 34, pleaded guilty in June 2024 to one count of tampering with consumer products.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh commented on the case: “Ensuring the integrity of our prescription drugs is vital to maintaining the public’s confidence in our healthcare system. When patients go to the pharmacy, they trust the medicines they receive are legitimate, and prosecutions like this one go a long way towards ensuring that trust. I am grateful to the FDA, Virginia Department of Health Professions, Virginia State Police, and the Gate City Police for bringing this important matter forward.”
George Scavdis, Special Agent in Charge at the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations for Metropolitan Washington Field Office added: “FDA-OCI remains committed to safeguarding the drug supply chain from individuals who endanger public health and safety by tampering with products. When pharmacists betray their customers’ trust by tampering with narcotic medications, they not only risk causing needless suffering from ineffective substitutes but also put lives at risk by introducing potentially harmful substances into the drug supply chain. The foundational work of the Gate City Police Department and our valued partnership with the Virginia State Police were integral to our efforts in safeguarding public health and safety in this case.”
Court documents revealed that Breeding replaced oxycodone tablets with prednisone—a steroid used for inflammation—and substituted hydromorphone tablets with leflunomide, which treats rheumatoid arthritis. He also dispensed medication while withholding pills from patients and keeping them for personal use.
Authorities noted that such actions could have resulted in pharmacists dispensing incorrect drugs to customers, posing risks of serious injury or death.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Inspector General, Virginia Department of Health Professions, Gate City Police Department, and Virginia State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Macon prosecuted the case.
