puerto Rico Man Charged with Impersonating Doctors in $2.4 Million Fraud Scheme
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arecibo, Puerto Rico – A man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to a complex scheme to illegally obtain controlled substances by falsely presenting himself as licensed medical professionals. Andy William Ruiz Torres, 49, faces 123 charges, including fraud, identity theft, and forgery, following an inquiry by the Puerto rico Department of Justice.
Investigation Uncovers Elaborate prescription Fraud
On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Rafael I.Lugo Morales of the Arecibo Court found probable cause for arrest following an investigation led by prosecutor teresita del Rosario Morales arteaga of the Arecibo Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation,spearheaded by Inspector Francisco Javier Soto Alicea of the Department of Health’s Controlled Substances Division,alleges that Ruiz Torres executed the scheme between August 2 and August 5,2025.
According to authorities, Ruiz Torres claimed to have studied medicine at the Central Eastern University in the Dominican Republic, completing his studies in 2009. Though, the Medical Licensing and Disciplinary Board of the Department of Health has no record of his accreditation as a physician, nor any record of him applying for authorization to practice medicine in Puerto Rico under Law 71-2017.
Working as a Medical Associate While Allegedly Committing Fraud
Despite lacking proper credentials, Ruiz Torres was employed as a medical associate for doctors Alberto Cónica and Carlos Planell dosal. Investigators believe he exploited this position to appropriate prescription books belonging to both physicians. He then allegedly used these stolen prescription pads to write 17 prescriptions for Tramadol, an opioid pain medication.
Thru this scheme, Ruiz Torres is accused of obtaining 873 tramadol tablets, each containing 50 milligrams of the drug. These prescriptions were presented at multiple pharmacies across Puerto Rico, including locations in Arecibo, Hatillo, Attached, Ponce (at the Dr. Pila Metropolitan Hospital), and at Planell Medical Group.
Scheme Exposed by Vigilant Pharmacist
The fraudulent activity was uncovered on October 29, 2024, when a pharmacist at the Charity Pharmacy in Arecibo contacted Dr. Cónica’s office to verify a prescription purportedly issued by the doctor to Ruiz torres. That same day, Dr. Cónica filed a complaint with the department of Health reporting the theft of her prescription book.
Bail Set, Electronic Monitoring Ordered
Judge Lugo Morales set bail at $2.4 million, which was deferred through the Pretrial Services Programme (PSAJ). As an inevitable result, Ruiz Torres will remain free under electronic supervision until December 15, when the preliminary hearing will be held,” a senior official stated.
The Department of Justice continues to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud and the potential impact on public health.
Expanded News Report:
Why: Andy william Ruiz Torres allegedly engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain Tramadol, an opioid pain medication, by fraudulently presenting himself as a licensed medical professional.
Who: Andy William Ruiz Torres, 49, is the primary suspect. Doctors Alberto Cónica and Carlos Planell Dosal were victims whose prescription books were allegedly stolen. Judge Rafael I. Lugo Morales presided over the initial hearing, and prosecutor Teresita del Rosario Morales Arteaga led the investigation.
What: Ruiz Torres is charged with 123
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