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Tampa pharmacist sentenced to federal prison for illegal prescriptions

 
Published March 12, 2013

TAMPA — A 56-year-old pharmacist has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegally distributing oxycodone, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Emmanuel I. Mekowulu owned Felky Pharmacy on North Florida Avenue from June 2008 to March 2009. During that time, Mekowulu accepted more than 340 illegal prescriptions at his pharmacy from Neurology & Pain Center clinics.

Mekowulu's involvement led to the sale of nearly 50,000 oxycodone pills throughout Tampa Bay.

Mekowulu was found guilty by a federal jury in December. He was also sentenced to pay more than $97,000, officials said.

Troy Wubbena, Brett Ridenour and Jeffrey Friedlander, who worked at the clinics, were previously found guilty and sentenced to federal prison.