ORLANDO, Fla. — Eyewitness News found out the doctor behind an alleged pill mill operation was able to avoid law enforcement for at least a decade.
Agents arrested Dr. Donald Edwards, the doctor at Unique Healthcare Clinic, and other employees during a raid last week.
Investigators said Edwards was giving out hundreds of prescription painkillers at the clinic near the Mall at Millenia.
Channel 9 learned that detectives had been watching Edwards' activities at two locations in Winter Garden from 2004 to 2007.
According to warrant documents, investigators were close to arresting Edwards in 2008 after receiving medical examiner's reports on the deaths of 13 of his patients.
But authorities had to give up the case when the doctor moved his practice to Lake County. However in 2013, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation noticed Edwards was back working in Orlando.
By that time, three complaints had been filed against Edwards, including one involving a patient death.
According to the warrant, agents also received an email from someone claiming to be a family member of the doctor who said he gives away narcotics like candy.
The investigation revealed that Edwards was allegedly treating suspected drug addicts without medical exams. He has since lost his doctor's license.
Authorities said that additional charges could be filed against Edwards.