Brooksville Man Sentenced To Prison For Electronic Prescribing Fraud Scheme

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Colton Neal (26, Brooksville) to two years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Neal pleaded guilty on December 16, 2024.

According to court documents, beginning in June 2022 and continuing through July 2023, Neal used an electronic health record and digital telehealth platform to issue electronic prescriptions transmitted through interstate wires. In doing so, Neal used Doctor #1’s name and National Provider Identifier, which he obtained without permission or consent, and posted advertisements on a darknet forum. Neal collected payments for issuing fraudulent controlled substance prescriptions via cryptocurrency and other payment methods. The investigation revealed Neal issued approximately 144 prescriptions for various controlled substances to individuals across the United States.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.