Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) have arrested Dr. Elaine Sharp on charges of murder, manslaughter, and racketeering after a years-long investigation into an illegal drug ring accused of distributing narcotics and opioids across Northwest Florida. The investigation was conducted with support from the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration.
FDLE initiated the investigation in February 2021 following reports from local pharmacists about unusually large prescriptions of oxycodone. According to authorities, Dr. Sharp was operating a pill mill out of her Gulf Breeze office, leading to several patient overdoses.
FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams commented on the case, stating, “Shutting down this pill mill unquestionably made our community safer. We know this drug ring, led by Dr. Elaine Sharp, was a major contributor of illegal drugs flowing into our neighborhoods and even attracting drug dealers from throughout the Southeast looking for an easy way to obtain these drugs.”
Several other suspects involved in selling drugs prescribed by Dr. Sharp were also arrested. Many were prescribed 120 oxycodone pills monthly without a legitimate medical need.
The arrests were made last week, and the case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.
Arrests Include:
Dr. Elaine Sharp, 72, Pensacola Beach Charges: murder, manslaughter, racketeering, unlawful prescription for monetary gain, unlawful prescription not medically necessary, conspiracy to traffic oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and money laundering.
Tammy Zell, 58, Gulf Breeze Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary, doctor shopping.
Cheryl Tassin, 63, Milton Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Jessica Michael, 43, Navarre Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone and hydromorphone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Kevin McLemore, 37, Pensacola Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Mark Heath, 63, Pensacola Charges: racketeering conspiracy, healthcare kickbacks.
Jenni Harrell, 48, Pensacola Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Gary Eckard, 60, Pace Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary, doctor shopping.
Kristopher Desposito, 22, Pensacola Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Shanna Castleberry, 39, Navarre Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking hydromorphone, oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Shawn Winchester, 54, Pensacola Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
Mickey Bowman, 53, Pensacola (At Large) Charges: racketeering conspiracy, trafficking oxycodone, conspiracy to obtain controlled substances not medically necessary.
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