On June 26, the United States successfully completed the extradition process of Luca Sartini, 60, from Italy, with the United States Marshals Service effectuating the transportation of Sartini from Rome to Knoxville. Sartini is a co-defendant of Sylvia Hofstetter. Hofstetter and three medical providers were convicted of numerous charges related to “pill mill” operations in Florida and Tennessee following a four-month trial earlier this year. Extradition procedures are continuing in Italy for the last co-defendant in the case, Luigi “Jimmy” Palma. Sartini contested his extradition from Italy for approximately two years. The charges against Sartini are varied, and reflect his alleged role in owning and operating pain clinics in South Florida and the Knoxville area over the course of several years. Included in the charges are a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy and a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
