Florida Doctor Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Prescription of Controlled Substances

Dr. Edward Scott Morrison, a 58-year-old physician from Pensacola Beach, Florida, has pleaded guilty to nineteen counts of unlawfully distributing or dispensing controlled substances. The plea was announced by John P.

Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Morrison's actions, which occurred between 2020 and 2025, involved the illegal prescription of at least 25,500 controlled substance pills, including over 22,000 opioid pills and more than 3,000 stimulant pills.

The U. S. Attorney's Office stated that Morrison, a licensed physician, prescribed these substances without determining whether there was a legitimate medical purpose, conducting physical examinations, or reviewing historical medical and prescribing records.

He issued prescriptions upon request, without evaluating the medical need of the recipients. These prescriptions were filled and dispensed at various pharmacies in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Details of the Case

The controlled substances prescribed by Morrison included opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as stimulants like Adderall or its generic equivalents. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Morrison's conduct was akin to that of "a drug dealer in a lab coat," contributing to the ongoing opioid epidemic that has severely impacted communities both within Florida and nationwide.

The case was part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and its Diversion Control Division, with support from various local and federal agencies, including the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, and the U.S. Army-Criminal Investigation Division.

Sentencing and Legal Implications

Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2027, at 11 a. m. before United States District Judge M.

Casey Rodgers. He faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the nineteen counts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes.

The U. S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida emphasized its commitment to prosecuting those who contribute to the opioid crisis.

"The opioid epidemic continues to have a devastating impact on communities within my district and nationwide," said U. S. Attorney Heekin, underscoring the office's dedication to holding accountable those responsible for the distribution of these dangerous drugs.