Doctor pleads guilty to drug distribution, tax evasion charges
February 5, 2021 - Pinellas County physician Alina Pollan has pleaded guilty to one count of distributing oxycodone for no legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice, and to one count of tax evasion. Pollan, 56, worked for a company called Pain and Wellness Clinic and was investigated by an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who posed as a patient at the clinic and was able to obtain an oxycodone prescription despite numerous “red flags.” Pollan was also accused of filing tax returns in 2017 and 2018 that understated her reportable income. Pollan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the illegal drug distribution and five years’ imprisonment for the tax evasion count.