Las Vegas doctor gets 41 months in prison in fentanyl case that led to judge's death

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Dr. Steven A. Holper, 67, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on Monday for unlawfully prescribing Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone for non-medical purposes, the Department of Justice announced Monday.

Dr. Holper, who is based in Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to the charges in December. Prosecutors dropped 28 other charges against him in exchange for the plea.

The sentence is to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Dr. Holper is due to surrender to authorities on November 25.

“A lot lives were impacted by Dr. Holper’s reckless behavior,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Neill. “This case highlights the impact that federal and state and local agencies have combatting the opioid epidemic in Las Vegas.”

Dr. Holper admitted to prescribing that prescribed Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone from July 2015 to March 2016 without a medical purpose. All three drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the DEA, meaning they have a high potential for abuse.

At least one of Dr. Holper's patients, Judge Diana Hampton, died from a fentanyl overdose.

“The accessibility of oxycodone, fentanyl and other deadly drugs are a threat to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “Each and every day, the FBI and our partners in Nevada are working hard targeting distributors, who are consciously contributing to the appalling opioid crisis that is inflicting havoc in neighborhoods all over the state of Nevada.”

If you have a tip or information about illegal sales or distribution of prescription opioids by doctors and pharmacies, you are advised to call the DEA at 1-877-RX-Abuse (792-2873) or contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.

“Doctors who betray their duty and the public’s trust for their own personal gain will be identified and prosecuted in Nevada,” said United States Attorney Trutanich. “This prosecution is part of our ongoing efforts to protect Nevadans from medical professionals who fuel the opioid epidemic. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners share one goal: to curtail the opioid crisis.”