Mocobizscene- A Virginia doctor has been convicted of unlawfully distributing opioids for over a decade, and he may face a maximum prison sentence of twenty years.
During the trial, it was revealed that Dr. Kirsten Van Steenberg Ball had been involved in prescribing over a million oxycodone pills. As a primary care doctor running her own medical practice from her home in Arlington, Virginia, Ball collaborated with her office boss, Candy Marie Calix, to conceal the illicit drug operation.
According to Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, there was a lack of caution and disregard for patient safety in prescribing medication for individuals in severe pain. She stated, “People in severe pain were supposed to be carefully given medicine, but too much of it was prescribed, with no thought for the patients’ safety or where the pills would end up.” Dr. Ball, who was involved in this scheme for over a decade, played a central role in distributing oxycodone through a network of individuals posing as patients. This resulted in over a million pills being prescribed.
Ball has faced scrutiny in the past for excessive medication distribution. The Virginia Department of Health Professions conducted three investigations into her actions, occurring in 2014, 2015, and 2021.
According to court documents, Ball single-handedly provided Calix with 50,000 oxycodone pills over the span of ten years. In an effort to conceal her source, Ball instructed her office manager, Calix, to use a fake name when obtaining the pills.
In court, the government revealed how Ball managed to evade detection with his drug scheme for such an extended period. Ball would enlist buyers, including some of her own family members, who would feign pain to receive oxycodone from her.
Afterwards, Calix would sneakily take the pills prescribed to her family members and then proceed to sell them. Ball catered to a diverse clientele, including both drug dealers and individuals struggling with addiction.
By implementing a strict policy, Ball ensured that no information would slip through the cracks. Before accepting new patients, she required a recommendation from an existing one. This precautionary measure was taken to prevent any potential infiltration by a covert operative.
The FBI had been monitoring the DHP for some time, so they decided to intervene and handle the situation themselves. They assigned a covert agent, who claimed to be the nephew of one of the current patients, to handle the matter.
During their recorded conversations, the undercover agent admitted to giving the pills to his family members. Ball acknowledged that this was illegal, but she decided not to report it. Despite the knowledge of the undercover agent’s actions, she continued to prescribe large quantities of oxycodone.
Many individuals claim that the doctor also had an interest in receiving complimentary items in addition to monetary compensation. Ball would exchange medications for various services, such as assistance with household chores and car maintenance. For several years, three patients regularly cleaned her house every two weeks. On Tuesday, a jury convicted Ball, and she is now potentially facing a 20-year prison sentence. The scheduled date for her sentencing is February 27, 2024.
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