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News Release – Monday, January 23, 2017
DEA Honors Two IDFPR Medical Prosecutors for ‘Outstanding Contributions’
Prosecution efforts focused on improper controlled substance prescribing
CHICAGO - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”) Chief Medical Prosecutor Laura Forester and Medical Prosecutor Vladimir Lozovskiy were recently honored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) with certificates of appreciation for their “outstanding contributions” in the field of drug enforcement. In the past two years alone, Medical Prosecutors Forester and Lozovskiy’s joint investigations with the DEA have resulted in disciplinary action taken against more than 20 licensed health care professionals in Illinois over allegations of improper prescribing of controlled substances.
“Attorneys Vladimir Lozovskiy and Laura Forester are outstanding and tireless public servants who work daily to safeguard the citizens of Illinois from illegitimate medical practitioners," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Dennis A. Wichern referring to two employees of IDFPR. "We are fortunate to have such great partners as teammates for our investigations.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Dennis A. Wichern presented medical prosecutors Forester and Lozovskiy with plaques in recognition of their service. Other officials from the DEA Chicago Field Division in attendance included: Diversion Program Manager Daniel J. Gillen, Group Supervisor R. Timothy Lenzi, and Diversion Investigator Cori L. Rizman.
Noteworthy cases involving Medical Prosecutors Forester and Lozovskiy include Joseph Giacchino, M.D. (aka “Dr. Million Pills”) and alleged collaborators William J. McMahon, M.D. and Paul Madison, M.D.
“Laura and Vladimir work tirelessly to enforce our state’s laws and safeguard the public from medical professionals that pose a threat to our health, safety and welfare,” said Bryan A. Schneider, IDFPR Secretary. “By nature, their job can be grueling and thankless at times. This award is a testament to their continued hard work and dedication to public service.”
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