ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando pharmacy and its pharmacist have agreed to pay $50,000 to settle allegations that they violated the federal Controlled Substances Act by filling fraudulent prescriptions and failing to maintain required records.
Plaza Pharmacy LLC and pharmacist Paul Ezeobinwa have reached a settlement with the federal government following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced.
According to the settlement agreement, Plaza Pharmacy and Ezeobinwa failed to properly identify 104 fraudulent prescriptions, including 193 refills, between December 22, 2021, and March 21, 2024. Federal authorities alleged that as a result of that failure, Schedule V controlled substances were dispensed without a valid prescription.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA agents conducted an on-site inspection of the pharmacy on March 21, 2024, and discovered dozens of potential record-keeping violations under the Controlled Substances Act.
Plaza Pharmacy surrendered its Drug Enforcement Administration registration for cause on May 2, 2024 and ceased operations in September 2025.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists serve everyone in our communities and have an obligation to track and properly report the dispensing of controlled substances,” Kehoe said. “This settlement underscores our commitment to enforcing controlled substances laws to protect the public.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar of the Tampa Field Division said investigators will continue to pursue individuals and businesses suspected of exploiting the controlled substance distribution system.
“Our diversion agents will continue to track and investigate those who abuse the system and contaminate our communities,” Escobar said. “The DEA will not stop until those who violate the CSA are brought to justice.”
This settlement is the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor handled the civil settlement.
The agreement resolves the federal government’s claims. This claim has not been adjudicated and this settlement does not impose liability.
