William Ellien, 57, of Savannah pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge William Moore Jr. for distributing drugs to his customers without a legitimate medical purpose, according to a press release from the Southern District of Georgia.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing, Ellien, a Savannah psychiatrist, exchanged prescriptions for very addictive prescription drugs for sex acts with various women from 2009 through 2012. Ellien, who remains in federal custody, is facing up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
There is no parole in the federal system. A sentencing date will be set upon the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said: “This doctor violated his oath, preyed upon patients, and turned into a common criminal, all for his own personal gratification. Whether street pushers or physicians, all drug dealers can expect that justice will be swift and the punishment will be severe.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Greg Gilluly Jr.
—Josh Rayburn
CHATHAM COUNTY BOOKED
To see pictures and details for individuals serving their initial incarceration in Chatham County, as reported by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, go to ChathamCountyBooked.com