Timothy W. Forester, 46, a South Hills pharmacist, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, misbranding of drugs, and healthcare fraud conspiracy. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Forester was a licensed pharmacist who owned four pharmacies — Century Square Pharmacy in West Mifflin, PA and Prescription Center Plus with locations in South Park, PA, McMurray, PA and Eight Four, PA. From on or about November 14, 2018, to on or about February 14, 2019,
Forester admitted he knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully obtained oxycodone and hydrocodone, Schedule II controlled substances, by misrepresentations, fraud, and deception. Forester admitted he did not place the controlled substances into the inventories of the four pharmacies and did not maintain records to show the controlled substances were dispensed. In addition, Forester admitted he relabeled generic drugs as name brand medications and then sold them as if they were the more expensive drugs. Finally, Forester admitted filling prescriptions with generic drugs, but billing Medicare and Medicaid for the more expensive name brand drugs, thereby committing healthcare fraud and causing a loss to Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $680,000.
