Tampa Clinic Owner and Doctor Charged in Alleged Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
A Tampa woman and a licensed physician have been charged in a 40-count indictment alleging they engaged in a conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances. According to the indictment, Bridget Luzod, 42, the owner and operator of Thrive Medical Clinic, portrayed herself as a doctor or nurse to patients despite lacking the necessary medical credentials. Dr. Victor Silva, 79, served as the clinic’s medical director, but prosecutors allege he shirked his responsibilities, allowing Luzod to abuse his DEA registration number to dispense powerful drugs.
Unlicensed Clinic Owner Allegedly Used Doctor’s Credentials to Prescribe Medication
Thrive Medical Clinic, an alternative medicine practice in South Tampa, opened its doors in September 2018 under Luzod’s ownership. However, the indictment paints a disturbing picture of her qualifications—or lack thereof. While Luzod presented herself as a healthcare professional to her patients, she only held a Florida basic x-ray machine operator license, which expired in 2018 and wasn’t renewed until March 2024. She was not licensed to practice medicine in Florida and lacked the DEA registration required to prescribe controlled substances.
Around March 2020, Luzod hired Dr. Silva as the clinic’s medical director. Prosecutors allege that Silva’s involvement was far from traditional. He did not examine patients, diagnose their conditions, recommend treatment plans, or review their medical files. Instead, Luzod allegedly paid Silva a monthly stipend in exchange for the use of his credentials and DEA registration number, enabling her to prescribe powerful medications, including Adderall, testosterone, hydrocodone, and phentermine, to her patients, friends, and family members.
Forged Signatures and Rubber Stamps Allegedly Used to Mask Illegal Activity
To further conceal their scheme, Luzod used deceptive tactics to issue prescriptions. The indictment alleges she regularly forged Dr. Silva’s signature on prescriptions or employed a rubber stamp with his signature to make the documents appear legitimate. This alleged forgery scheme, prosecutors argue, allowed Luzod to fuel an illicit prescription drug operation.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty,” a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office clarified.
Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Charges
This case was the result of a collaborative investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Health, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon will be prosecuting the case.
What are the specific charges being brought against Bridget Luzod and Dr. Victor Silva?
## Interview Transcript
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the recent indictment of Bridget Luzod and Dr. Victor Silva is legal expert and commentator, Jessica Martinez. Jessica, thank you for being here.
**Jessica:** My pleasure. It’s a concerning case that highlights some serious issues.
**Host:** Absolutely. Let’s dive right in. This indictment alleges a complex scheme involving two individuals at a Tampa clinic. Can you walk us through the basics of the charges against them?
**Jessica:** Certainly. The indictment accuses Bridget Luzod, the clinic owner, and Dr. Victor Silva, the clinic’s medical director, of conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. Luzod is accused of posing as a doctor or nurse despite lacking the necessary medical credentials, while Dr. Silva allegedly allowed her to use his DEA registration to prescribe powerful drugs.
**Host:** That’s incredibly alarming! How could something like this go on undetected for so long?
**Jessica:** That’s a very good question. The details in the indictment suggest a lack of oversight. Apparently, Luzod only held a basic x-ray operator license that expired years ago. The fact that she was able to allegedly operate a medical clinic and prescribe medication without a proper medical license is deeply troubling.
**Host:** What happens next for Luzod and Dr. Silva?
**Jessica:** They will face trial and could face serious penalties if convicted. Given the scope of the alleged conspiracy and the nature of the charges, this case will likely be closely watched by both the medical community and the public.
**Host:** Thank you, Jessica, for shedding light on this disturbing case. This certainly raises important questions about medical oversight and patient safety.