The United States announced on May 1 that it has filed a civil complaint in federal court against Rick Q. Wilson, also known as Henry Quintero, a New Mexico psychologist accused of unlawfully prescribing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.
The case centers on allegations that Wilson prescribed large amounts of benzodiazepines and other controlled substances between 2017 and 2020, often without proper examinations or treatment plans. The government claims these actions violated the Controlled Substances Act and put patients at risk.
According to the complaint, Wilson issued more than 21,000 prescriptions for controlled substances during this period. He is alleged to have frequently prescribed high-dose benzodiazepines such as Xanax in combination with other central nervous system depressants like Ambien. The complaint states that combining these medications can slow breathing and potentially cause death. It further alleges that Wilson relied on repetitive diagnoses not supported by evidence, failed to develop individualized treatment plans, and did not conduct appropriate monitoring such as drug screening or using the state’s prescription monitoring program.
Federal authorities also allege that Wilson ignored warning signs of misuse and diversion by prescribing to patients with substance use disorders, continuing prescriptions despite evidence of drug abuse or non-use, and accepting primarily cash payments. The government links his prescribing practices to patient harm, including multiple deaths from drug toxicity shortly after receiving prescriptions.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said the United States is seeking civil penalties for each alleged unlawful prescription issued by Wilson. Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, joined Ellison in making the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation into Wilson’s practices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Cunniff and Auditor Phillip Stella are leading enforcement efforts for the government.
