LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky pharmacist and his wife have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a series of crimes including theft, fraud, and the illegal distribution of controlled substances, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
46-year-old Joseph Huff, a pharmacist from Franklin, was sentenced to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy to steal medical products, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, twelve counts of health care fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of making a false statement.
His wife, 46-year-old Jenifer Huff, received a two-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release. She was convicted of similar charges, including conspiracy to commit theft and unlawfully distribute controlled substances, as well as two counts of health care fraud.
Court documents revealed that the couple diverted oxycodone and hydrocodone from their pharmacy between May 2020 and January 2023. Jenifer Huff was also found to be trading or selling controlled substances in exchange for cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
Additionally, the Huffs fraudulently billed Kentucky Medicaid for prescriptions that had not been ordered by a licensed medical professional. Joseph Huff was accused of submitting fraudulent claims to insurance companies for brand-name Adderall when generic versions were actually dispensed. He also billed for medications that were never provided to patients and falsely reported a pharmacy robbery to the DEA, claiming drugs had been stolen when no such theft occurred.
Moreover, Joseph Huff used another medical professional’s name and National Provider Identifier (NPI) number to issue prescriptions without the professional’s knowledge or consent.
Both Joseph and Jenifer Huff were ordered to pay restitution for their fraudulent actions—$17,518.19 for Joseph and $5,730.43 for Jenifer.
As is standard in federal cases, there is no possibility of parole.
