Two suspects out on bail in pill mill arrests

THE WOODLANDS, Texas –– Two suspects arrested and jailed in connection with an alleged “pill mill” being operated in The Woodlands are out on bail.

Karl Covington, 56, and Gerald Petrash, 63, were arrested on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity in alleged operation at a local clinic selling illegal prescription pills.

Both men were booked into the Montgomery County Jail but posted bail, according to jail records.

Conroe police officers went into the Texas Pain and Medical Management clinic at 25200 Grogan’s Park Dr. on Wednesday along with prosecutors to serve warrants and seize documents after receiving multiple complaints that Covington and Petrash may have been illegally selling pain pills, said Rob Freyer, chief prosecutor with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

“‘Pill mills’ will often sell pain medications such as Oxycontin, Hydrocodone and Soma,” Freyer said.

In addition to Conroe police and the DA’s office, investigators with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Willis police and the Drug Enforcement Agency were looking into the business.