Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Tampa residents Bridget Luzod and Victor Silva, MD. They face charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and unlawful distribution of controlled substances using another person's registration number. If convicted on all counts, both could face up to 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also indicates that the U.S. intends to seize any assets linked to the offenses.
The indictment states that Luzod owned and operated Thrive Medical Clinic in South Tampa since September 2018. Despite presenting herself as a medical professional, she only held a basic x-ray machine operator license in Florida, which expired in 2018 and was not renewed until March 2024. She lacked a medical practice license and a DEA registration number for prescribing controlled substances.
In March 2020, Luzod employed Dr. Silva as the clinic's medical director. However, Silva did not engage with patients or their treatments at Thrive from 2020 to 2024. Instead, he received a monthly stipend from Luzod for allowing her to use his credentials and DEA registration number for prescribing medications such as Adderall and hydrocodone. Luzod reportedly forged Silva’s signature or used a stamp for prescriptions.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, Florida Department of Health, Tampa Police Department, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon will prosecute the case.