California Woman Used Doctors’ Credentials to Distribute Pills and Falsify Immigration Documents

The Central Coast woman pleaded guilty to faking medical examination papers for immigrants and using doctors’ info to acquire a weight-loss drug.
California Woman Used Doctors’ Credentials to Distribute Pills and Falsify Immigration Documents
The Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington on March 10, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
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A Central California woman pleaded guilty May 5 to using doctors’ medical credentials to distribute controlled substances and help immigration applicants obtain “green cards.”

Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, of Nipomo, in San Luis Obispo County, pleaded guilty to one count of presentation of false immigration document or application and one count of possession with intent to distribute phendimetrazine, a weight-loss drug, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.