California psychiatrist gets prison for drug sales scheme

A Southern California psychiatrist who illegally wrote prescriptions for opioids and other drugs in exchange for cash has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison.

The Orange County Register reports 56-year-old Dr. Robert Perez admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances as part of a plea agreement.

The newspaper reports Perez apologized for his actions during his sentencing hearing yesterday.

Prosecutors said Perez and co-defendant William Plumley conspired to sell prescriptions without medical necessity for oxycodone, hydrocodone and amphetamine salts.

Plumley admitted to his role in the scheme and was sentenced last year to more than five years behind bars.