Woman accused of leading pill mill operation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A 51-year-old Knoxville woman is accused of being the leader of an east Tennessee pill mill operation that raked in at least $17.5 million in the last four years.
Federal prosecutors announced that Sylvia Hoffstetter has been charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. She and several others indicted by a federal grand jury this week are said to be responsible for the proliferation of pill mills in Knox County and the surrounding area. Authorities say she conspired with other pain clinic operators to distribute oxycodone and launder the money generated from the drugs.
Hoffstetter was ordered detained until a Friday hearing. It’s not clear if she is represented by an attorney.
Federal authorities say she faces up to 40 years in prison and a fine of $1.5 million.
