Former Decatur Oncologist Sentenced for Illegal Opioid Prescribing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A former oncologist in Decatur has been sentenced for illegally prescribing drugs, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.

Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Sammy Fuad Becdach, 58, to 24 months in prison followed by a year of home confinement. Becdach was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.

According to the plea agreement, Becdach worked as an oncologist in Decatur, Alabama, including during 2018 through 2021, when the illegal prescribing occurred. In August 2022, the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama revoked Becdach's medical license for unprofessional conduct related to his romantic relationship with a woman to whom he had written opioid prescriptions and who later died from a drug overdose. Becdach wrote illegal prescriptions for controlled substances to three individuals who were not his patients. The three filled the prescriptions at Becdach's request and then gave him the pills they received. Becdach gave some pills to women with whom he was romantically involved. The prescriptions included opioids and benzodiazepines.

The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.