Selling illegal prescription drugs has skyrocketed in the recent year. Drugs like Vicodin, Adderall, and Xanax are examples of prescription drugs that are being used for recreational uses rather than a medical need.
Medical professionals and the law enforcement are working hard to make sure that only those that truly need the drugs for medical reasons can obtain them. One way they have done so is by requiring a handwritten prescription for these medications. In other words, a doctor cannot call in or email in the prescriptions. The increased demand for prescriptions drugs to be used in a recreational manner, coupled with their difficultly to obtain them from a doctor, has led to a surge in the selling of illegal prescription drugs.
Lawrence David Tylutki, 30, of Brighton, is a Michigan correction officer facing up to 20 years in prison. He allegedly sold prescription drugs to a confidential informant while off-duty, but still wearing his uniform and carrying a firearm.
Tylutki was under surveillance by the Oakland County Narcotics Informants Team. Last, Thursday they allegedly saw him deliver drugs to the informant in the 11 Mile Road and Middlebelt area of Farmington Hills.
According to The Detroit News, during the time he was being watched, Tylutki allegedly delivered 85 Rosincodone, 75 Adderall and 90 Xanax, receiving $1,450 in return. Tylutki was arrested after the money and drugs were exchanged, and his vehicle was searched. The Narcotic Enforcement Team reported that inside Tylutki’s car, they found 290 additional prescription pills including: hydrocodone, OxyContin, Tranquilizers, and antidepressants.
In the initial investigation, Tylutki is believed to have been selling prescription drugs for over 2 years. According the Chris Gautz, corrections department spokesman, Tylutki was charged in Farmington Hills on Saturday and suspended without pay.
As reported by the The Detroit News, Tylutki is being charged with:
- Delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance (cocaine, heroin or other narcotic) less than 50 grams. A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance, Schedule 1-3. A felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance, Schedule 4, a felony with a four-year prison sentence.
- Three offenses of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Each carries a two-year sentence upon conviction.
The Penalty for Selling Illegal Prescription Drugs and The Law
If charged with selling prescription drugs, the penalty can be high. It is illegal for any person who does not have a license to write prescription to sell or give prescription drugs to another person. For those individuals who are licensed health care professionals, such as doctors or pharmacists, they cannot knowingly sell or give prescription drugs to someone who does not have either a valid need or valid prescription for the drugs.
One important note to make is that to be accused of selling illegal prescription drugs doesn’t mean that money has to be exchanged. “Selling” can included giving or exchanging a prescription drug as well as an offer or agreement to sell or exchange.
Wrapping Up
Many people might not fully understand the magnitude and impact that can happen when charged with selling illegal persecution drugs. When a person isn’t fully educated in the law and they choose to sell or give prescription drugs, they could be charged with a felony and receive prison time.
If you or anyone you know is facing charges for the illegal sale of prescription drugs. It is essential that you seek the legal advice of a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney. Please call my office today at:
248-348-7400 or 586-530-1000