DEA Opioid Settlement

How Rubinger Built Trust With Star Athletes

Rubinger's sports medicine practice attracted prominent athletes seeking pain relief. She gained credibility treating high-profile clients, which helped market her services. Court documents now show she leveraged this reputation to distribute controlled substances illegally across her patient base.

The Secret Prescription Operation Across 20 States

DEA investigators discovered Rubinger issued prescriptions for hundreds of thousands of opioids to patients in over 20 states. The prescriptions had no legitimate medical justification. She maintained detailed records of her illegal distribution network while appearing as a legitimate healthcare provider.

Patients received painkillers without proper medical evaluation or pain management protocols. Many lacked documented injuries or conditions warranting such powerful drugs. The operation generated substantial income while fueling opioid addiction among her clientele.

Rubinger Taught Clients How to Hide From Investigators

Beyond simply issuing illegal prescriptions, Rubinger actively instructed clients on avoiding DEA scrutiny. She coached them on what to say to pharmacy staff and how to fill prescriptions strategically. This coaching represented deliberate obstruction of federal drug enforcement efforts.

Settlement and Loss of Prescribing Authority

DEA revoked Rubinger's ability to prescribe controlled substances due to what authorities called egregious conduct. She agreed to a $1.4 million civil settlement with the Justice Department to avoid criminal prosecution. The settlement included a clause stating she neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing, a common resolution in healthcare fraud cases.