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According to U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter II and his co-defendant, 28-year-old Elizabeth Lightfoot, have been charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute Xanax and other drugs outside the medical field.

Easter and Lightfoot have been charged for allegedly selling Xanax and other prescription drugs to clients who weren’t patients. Easter has also been charged with 10 additional counts of the same crime.

Bash made it clear that he takes prescription drug abuse very seriously.

“Prescription drug abuse has become increasingly prevalent in the community. We are going to crack down hard on licensed medical professionals who violate federal law, not to mention their professional obligations in illegally dispensing controlled substances,” Bash said.

According to Acting Special Agent in Charge, Steve Borak, Easter and Lightfoot both contributed to the prescription drug problem in El Paso.

“Their conduct put lives at risk and won’t be tolerated. DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who seek to perpetuate and profit form the diversion of prescription drugs,” Borak said.

Both Easter and Lightfoot face up to five years in prison.