Mississippi arrests linked to Memphis prescription fraud

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By Janice Broach - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

CORINTH, MS (WMC-TV) - Two Memphis are behind bars in Corinth after being arrested for prescription fraud linked to an investigation involving a Memphis doctor.

The most recent arrests started with a drive through prescription window in Corinth, and ended with the arrests Frank Williams and Brandon Robertson, both of Memphis. Both men are charged with prescription fraud.

Alcorn County investigators said they recently received a report of a man trying to pass a fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy in Corinth. The man sped off, and when officer caught up with him, he found Williams at the wheel.

Soon after, officers received a similar call from another pharmacy. They arrested Robertson, who was walking not too far away.

DEA agent Keith Brown says illegal use of prescription drugs is becoming as much of a problem as meth, and more of a problem than heroin.

"They're a huge problem," Brown said. "Prescription drugs are the fastest growing drug problem in Shelby County and West Tennessee."

Investigators said the arrest of Williams and Robertson can be tied to Dr. Daniel Fearnow of Memphis, who was indicted last month, accused of illegally selling prescriptions. More charges are expected because more prescriptions from Fearnow were recovered.

Brown says the DEA is changing its tactics in an attempt to tackle the escalating prescription drug problem.

"We're going to be a little more aggressive and approach it as a law enforcement 'you're a drug dealer problem,'" he said.

Alcorn County investigators say Williams and Robertson were out on bond for the same charges in Tippah County when they were arrested in Corinth.

Action News 5 was unable to reach Fearnow for comment on Tuesday.