Brookhaven Doc, Ex-New Orleans Saint Indicted In Opioid Scheme

ROME, GA — Victor Hanson, a licensed physician and Brookhaven resident, and former New Orleans Saint Sedrick Hodge have been indicted with two other people for illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including opioids. According to federal prosecutors, Hanson is a licensed physician who operated a weight loss clinic in Sandy Springs, Georgia. However, he also allegedly prescribed large quantities of controlled substances, including opioids like oxycodone, and stimulants. Hanson accepted only cash or checks as payment.

The indictment alleges Hanson prescribed the drugs without conducting medical examinations or, sometimes, any examinations at all.

Sedrick Hodge, along with Farrah Hodge and Marcus McConnell are also alleged to have gotten prescriptions from Hanson. Prosecutors charge Hanson also gave Sedrick Hodge prescriptions written to third parties, including McConnell.

Hodge then allegedly sold oxycodone pills on the street for cash. On two separate occasions in October and November 2018, Sedrick Hodge sold oxycodone pills to a confidential source working with the DEA in Cartersville, Georgia.

Hodge is a former linebacker for the New Orleans Saints from 2001–2005. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins before the 2006 season but was cut before the season began.

Hanson, 86, is also charged with maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing controlled substances, 14 individual counts of illegal drug distribution for specific prescriptions, including several written to undercover federal officers, and a money laundering conspiracy.