November 9, 2022
Press Release
On October 25, 2022, Melvin Lee Robison, 68, of Lake City, Colorado, was sentenced to serve 54 months in federal prison for illegal drug distribution and health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzales for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez for the Drug Enforcement Administration – Dallas Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General’s Dallas Regional Office.
“Medical doctors take an oath to help those in times of need,” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “Dr. Robison prescribed addictive, dangerous, and powerful controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and abused the medical system to line his pockets for financial gain. This conduct violated his oath and federal law. My office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable doctors who fuel the opioid crisis and exploit their oath for money.”
“Health care fraud continues to be one of the most widespread and common forms of fraud our nation faces,” said Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “It is shameful how Mr. Robison recruited patients to join him in his fraudulent scheme by offering them kickbacks from his illegal profits. We will continue to go after perpetrators like this with every resource available to us.”
“As we continue to lose lives by the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, we look to our medical professionals for sound guidance, professionalism, and integrity,” stated Special Agent in Charge Chávez. “Dr. Robison broke that oath for one sole purpose: greed. Today’s conviction is a testament to the work of our investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners who will continue to protect the lives of our loved ones.”
“It is particularly egregious that Dr. Robison used stolen taxpayer money to travel abroad and then furthered his scheme by fraudulently billing Medicare while he was there,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Meadows. “HHS/OIG and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who steal from the American taxpayers to afford their own selfish lifestyles on the backs of honest Americans.”
On June 20, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a 159-count Indictment against Robison, who during the relevant time period ran the Robison Family Clinic in Sayre, Oklahoma. Robison was charged with numerous counts of drug distribution—specifically, dispensing opioids and other drugs outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose—along with multiple counts of Medicare/Medicaid fraud based on, amongst other things, services he billed for while out of the country and services he billed for related to care of patients in nursing homes without performing the services or supervising those who provided them. On December 19, 2019, a Superseding Indictment was filed, charging Robison with five additional counts.
During the pendency of Robison’s prosecution on these drug and health care fraud charges, he was also charged in the Southern District of Florida on June 11, 2021, with one count of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks.
On October 25, 2022, Robison pled guilty to two counts of the Superseding Indictment, charging him with the illegal distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud. As to the health care fraud, Robison admitted to fraudulently billing Medicare at a higher rate for services that were performed by a nurse practitioner instead of himself. Robison also pled guilty to a single count of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks in his Florida case, as well. U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGiusti then sentenced Dr. Robison to serve a 54-month sentence on his two Oklahoma-based charges, and another 24 months on his Florida case, to be run concurrent to his Oklahoma sentences. Robison was also ordered to pay a fine of $13,362.00, to pay restitution of $112,384.61 to the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, and to forfeit $202,597.18. In imposing the sentence, Judge DeGiusti specifically noted the detriment to the community in that the number of prescriptions from controlled substances far exceeded the population of Sayre, Oklahoma, where Robison practiced medicine.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, the remaining counts against Robison were dismissed at sentencing.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, the Board of Medicolegal Investigations – Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General’s Dallas Regional Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Oklahoma City Field Office. The Florida case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – West Palm Beach Field Office, as well as the Florida Department of Financial Services-Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Anderson prosecuted the case on behalf of the Western District of Oklahoma. Alexandra Chase prosecuted the case on behalf of the Southern District of Florida.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Deadline Approaching for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations hit by severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred April 25-May 9,
Top Stories of 2024: Western Oklahoma's Most Notable News Events
From devastating tragedies to inspiring resilience, 2024 was a year that tested the strength and spirit of Western Oklahoma. The region witnessed heartbreaking losses, shocking scandals, and natural disasters, balanced by moments of courage, community, and leadership.
Lucas Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter
Yukon, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “America has lost a faithful and selfless public servant. While he faced a number of political challenges throughout
Fatal Crash Claims One Life, Injures Another North of Arapaho
A tragic collision early Tuesday morning left one person dead and another injured on US-183 near E 860 Rd, approximately 13 miles north of Arapaho in Custer County. The crash occurred at approximately 12:06 a.m. and involved
Fatal Crash on US Highway 83 Near Shamrock Claims One Life
A two-vehicle collision on US Highway 83, approximately six miles north of Shamrock, Texas, resulted in the death of a Kansas man. The crash occurred on December 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. According to authorities, the crash
Tragic Collision Claims Three Lives Near Lone Wolf
A devastating collision on Monday claimed three lives and left a young child injured. The accident occurred around 6:02 PM on OK-44 and E 1440 Road, approximately four miles south of Lone Wolf. The crash involved a
Former Elk City Ag Teacher Arrested for Alleged Felony Embezzlement
Current Clinton Public Schools ag teacher Rick Dillinger is facing alleged felony embezzlement charges after being arrested this weekend, according to the Elk City Police Department. Dillinger, who previously was the ag teacher for Elk City Public
2024 Oklahoma School Report Cards Released: Western Oklahoma Schools See Mixed Results
The Oklahoma State Department of Education released the 2024 Oklahoma School Report Cards last week, revealing a wide range of performance grades for schools in western Oklahoma. The report cards measure academic achievement, growth, attendance, and other
Elk City Homemakers Donate Over 50 Stuffed Animals to GPRMC for Pediatric Patients
GPRMC Press Release The Elk City Homemakers recently donated over 50 stuffed animals to Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) to bring comfort to pediatric patients. This generous gesture reflects the group’s commitment to supporting the local
Semi-Truck Crash Shuts Down I-40 Eastbound Lanes Near Erick
A single-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck temporarily shut down the eastbound lanes of I-40 near the 11-mile marker in Beckham County on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The accident occurred at 11:11 a.m., approximately four miles east of
SWODA Receives Opioid Abatement Funds to Expand Life-Saving Resources in Western Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board has awarded funding to the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. According to a press release, the funds aim to expand resources and services to save
Elk City Man Arrested for Meth Trafficking, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison
An Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center on a $40,000 bond after being charged with trafficking methamphetamine and destroying evidence. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The
Indiana Man Arrested in Beckham County After High-Speed Chase
An Indiana man was recently arrested in Beckham County following a high-speed pursuit. According to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning, 21-year-old Arthur James Mhoon Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was arrested on December 18 after county employees
Clinton Woman Charged with Assaulting Custer County Deputy
A Clinton woman, 35-year-old Alicia Ruth Smith, also known as Alicia Ruth Dunn, faces felony and misdemeanor charges following an incident involving a Custer County Deputy on December 13, 2024. According to court records, Smith has been
Man in Critical Condition After Car Crashes into Pond in Elk City
A single-vehicle accident in Elk City early Sunday morning, where a car crashed into a pond, remains under investigation. According to Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka, the accident sent an unidentified man to an Oklahoma City
15-Year-Old Dies in Rollover Accident North of Sayre
A tragic accident claimed the life of a 15-year-old Sayre resident on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 7:57 PM on N 1900 Rd and E 1120 Rd, about four miles north of
Registered Sex Offender Arrested in Elk City for Violating Residency Laws and Drug Possession
A registered sex offender, Donald Joseph Smith, was arrested on December 2, 2024, after authorities discovered he was residing in violation of Oklahoma residency laws. Smith, 43, was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia during the
SWOSU Hosts Reception in Honor of Piano Benefactors
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Music recently celebrated those who have contributed to the success of the SWOSU Piano Campaign with a donor recognition event at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA.) The
Taylor Elected to Oklahoma Farm Bureau State Board at Annual Meeting
Oklahoma Farm Bureau members selected two new state board members during the organization’s 83rd annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Jimmy Taylor, from Roger Mills County, was chosen as the District 2 director. He will serve a three-year
Archer Named Chair of House Energy Committee as Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert Announces Restructuring
House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert has unveiled a new committee structure designed to improve the deliberation and vetting process for proposed legislation. The reorganization introduces a two-tiered structure of committees and oversight committees, creating opportunities for more thorough
SWOSU Hosts Chancellor & Speaker-Elect, Honors Sammons & Robinson
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted a luncheon featuring Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Chancellor Sean Burrage and Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert. The luncheon was held at SWOSU’s Pioneer Event Center
Shamrock Native Promoted to Texas Ranger
Matthew Ferguson of Shamrock, Texas has been promoted to the Texas Rangers Division. Previously serving as a Highway Patrol Sergeant in Pampa, Ferguson now becomes part of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s primary investigative branch. The
Man Formally Charged After High-Speed Chase Following Stolen Vehicle Crash
The man accused of leading multiple agencies on a high-speed pursuit last month has formally been charged. A Granite, Oklahoma man, Samuel Herman Pence, 24, was taken into custody on November 15th, 2024, after a high-speed chase
Lucas Passed Over for Top House Financial Services Role
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne will not be the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and cryptocurrency. The committee’s decisions regarding banks and financial institutions have significant
SWOSU Nursing Department Offers a JumpStart Application Option
The Department of Nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is thrilled to unveil innovative new pathways designed to streamline nursing school admission. Jump Start Application for Pre-Nursing Majors First, the Jump Start Application process provides early
