Monroe Doctor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Distributing HGH
By: Staff
Updated: January 26, 2013
Dr. Linda Bunch, 53, of Monroe, was sentenced Thursday to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $200,000 in criminal proceeds for importing and distributing adult growth hormones.
In June 2010, Bunch was charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy, distribution and facilitation and receipt of smuggled hGH. She was administering the growth hormones at the Northeast Louisiana Anti-Aging and Wellness Center in Monroe from July 2003 until July 2008. The hormones were part of an "anti-aging program" for patients. Most of the hormones administered were illegally imported into the U.S.
Under federal law, growth hormones may only be used for the treatment of specified diseases. Although Bunch was only held accountable for distributing $200,000 in illegal growth hormones, evidence at sentencing revealed that the company administered more than 26,926 units of the hormones over the five-year period totaling more than $406,000 in sales.
"We will prosecute those who circumvent the law to provide controlled substances to patients for personal gain," said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley. "Those involved in this operation knowingly obtained these hormones illegally and released them into the community with no concern for the safety of those who were taking them."
The Food and Drug Administration/Office of Criminal Investigations and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl Campbell prosecuted the case.
Monroe Chiropractor Dr. Dallas Humble will be sentenced on February 14 for his role in distributing HGH. Humble went to trial last summer, before deciding to plead guilty.
In June 2010, Bunch was charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy, distribution and facilitation and receipt of smuggled hGH. She was administering the growth hormones at the Northeast Louisiana Anti-Aging and Wellness Center in Monroe from July 2003 until July 2008. The hormones were part of an "anti-aging program" for patients. Most of the hormones administered were illegally imported into the U.S.
Under federal law, growth hormones may only be used for the treatment of specified diseases. Although Bunch was only held accountable for distributing $200,000 in illegal growth hormones, evidence at sentencing revealed that the company administered more than 26,926 units of the hormones over the five-year period totaling more than $406,000 in sales.
"We will prosecute those who circumvent the law to provide controlled substances to patients for personal gain," said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley. "Those involved in this operation knowingly obtained these hormones illegally and released them into the community with no concern for the safety of those who were taking them."
The Food and Drug Administration/Office of Criminal Investigations and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl Campbell prosecuted the case.
Monroe Chiropractor Dr. Dallas Humble will be sentenced on February 14 for his role in distributing HGH. Humble went to trial last summer, before deciding to plead guilty.
