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Las Vegas doctor convicted of unlawfully distributing opioids

Las Vegas doctor convicted of unlawfully distributing opioids

By Paul Pearson Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

December 1, 2023 - 7:08 pm

A Las Vegas doctor was convicted of unlawfully distributing opioids in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

A federal jury found Dr. William Alvear guilty of three counts of distributing a Schedule II controlled substance and five counts of distributing or dispensing a Schedule IV controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Jason Frierson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans announced Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Alvear, 68, unlawfully distributed the opioid pain medication hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose. He was also accused of distributing and dispensing alprazolam, a drug better known by the brand name Xanax that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Both drugs have the potential for abuse and can lead to physical or psychological dependence, according to experts.

Alvear faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

In 2016, he pleaded guilty to taking $5,400 in kickbacks to refer Medicare patients to a home health agency.

Contact Paul Pearson at ppearson@reviewjournal.com.

Michele Fiore to be suspended from her position as a Pahrump judge

By Noble Brigham Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

July 25, 2024 - 9:30 am

Michele Fiore was indicted by a Las Vegas grand jury on July 16 on wire fraud and conspiracy charges.

UPDATE: Pahrump judge Michele Fiore faces federal wire fraud charges

By Noble Brigham Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

July 18, 2024 - 9:22 am

Prosecutors allege that the Nye County judge and former Las Vegas City Council member spent money meant for a fallen officers memorial on herself and her daughter’s wedding.

GALLERY: These pyros brought us the ‘boom, boom, pows’

By Brent Schanding Pahrump Valley Times

July 12, 2024 - 9:10 am

It took crews about a week to set up the pyrotechnic fireworks show that illuminated Pahrump’s sky on the Fourth of July.

A stop sign warns tourists of extreme heat at Badwater Basin on Monday, July 8, 2024, in Death ...

‘We knew it was going to be hot’: Tourists embrace the heat in Death Valley

By Alan Halaly Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

July 9, 2024 - 11:43 am

A motorcyclist died in Death Valley National Park during the July heat wave. Are tourists equipped to beat the heat?

Nye County District Attorney Brian Kunzi. (Pahrump Valley Times)

Nye sheriff says district attorney prevents him from complying with state law

By Katelyn Newberg Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

June 26, 2024 - 8:23 am

Nye County District Attorney Brian Kunzi said he does not believe some law enforcement records should be released before a criminal investigation concludes.

Rover Critical Minerals CEO Judson Culter listens to public comment as his company hosts a town ...

‘You’re just the suit’: Residents spar with mining exec at tense town hall

By Alan Halaly Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

June 26, 2024 - 8:20 am

In what appeared to be a failed attempt to pitch lithium mining to Amargosa Valley residents, Rover Critical Minerals spoke publicly about its plans for drilling.

Taylor Peck (NCSO via Facebook)

1 dead, 1 arrested after fatal stabbing at Pahrump park

By Marvin Clemons Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

June 20, 2024 - 10:35 am

The stabbing occurred at Petrack Park, according to a social media post by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.

Election Day 2024: What to know

By Taylor Avery Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

June 11, 2024 - 7:56 am

Tuesday marks voters’ last chance to cast their ballot in Nevada’s primary election.

Eric Coleman/Pahrump Valley Times

EDITORIAL: A retail theft conspiracy?

Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

May 28, 2024 - 1:52 pm

Many on the left accuse greedy capitalists at major outlets of exaggerating the problem to cover up mismanagement.

NPS File Photo A tourist from Holland died last week while visiting Artists Drive, a 9-mile sce ...

Dutch visitor dies while driving in Death Valley

Staff Report

May 28, 2024 - 7:39 am

The approximately 70-year-old man and his wife were visiting from Holland. The man went unconscious while driving on Artist’s Drive. His wife stopped the vehicle safely and moved her husband to the back seat.