RICHMOND, Va. — A physician who once practiced breast surgery in Richmond and surrendered her Virginia medical license on July 1 was fined by an out-of-state medical board after investigators found she issued controlled-substance prescriptions without the required certificate.
Alabama board fines physician for lacking certificate
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners fined Dr. Sasa Grae Espino $1,500 on June 18 after a Joint Settlement Agreement determined she issued approximately 143 prescriptions for controlled substances between Dec. 31, 2025, and May 7, 2026, without possessing an Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate. Alabama law requires physicians who prescribe controlled substances to obtain that certificate annually.
Virginia license surrendered amid local lawsuits
Espino surrendered her license to practice medicine in Virginia on July 1. The Virginia Board of Medicine concluded that she violated regulations governing the practice of medicine in its care and treatment review of two patients previously profiled by CBS 6. The surrender came as Espino faces multiple medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Richmond since June of last year.
- Fine: $1,500 (Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, June 18)
- Prescriptions issued without certificate: ~143 (Dec. 31, 2025–May 7, 2026)
- Virginia license: surrendered July 1
Patients and plaintiffs react
Several of the lawsuits filed in Richmond allege that Espino breached the standard of care by performing breast reconstruction surgeries for which the plaintiffs say she was not qualified. Those suits, according to court filings and reporting, claim patients suffered lasting physical and emotional harm.
“That was great news, I've been waiting for it for months,”
said Mandy Moore, a Richmond resident who has filed a lawsuit against Espino. Another plaintiff, Audrey Andrews, also described lasting harm:
“I'm sorry it came to this where a lot of us got hurt, scarred for life, multiple surgeries, something that is not going to go away.”
Espino's attorneys, in statements reported earlier this year, deny all allegations of negligence contained in the lawsuits. They have maintained that her specialized fellowship education, training and surgical experience qualified her to perform breast reconstruction surgeries.
Local implications and next steps
The fine in Alabama is administrative and specific to prescribing authority in that state; it does not by itself resolve the civil malpractice claims pending in Richmond courts. Those cases seek accountability and damages tied to patients' allegations of inadequate care and surgical complications. The Virginia Board of Medicine's finding that Espino violated regulations in her care of two patients is separate from the Alabama settlement and from the civil litigation.
For Richmond patients who received care from Espino, the events underscore the importance of verifying a physician's licensing and certification status and of working closely with treating providers when complications arise. Lawyers and patient advocates say those seeking to join pending litigation or to report concerns should consult legal counsel or contact medical regulators for guidance on next steps.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alabama fine | $1,500 |
| Prescriptions without certificate | Approximately 143 |
| Virginia license status | Surrendered (July 1) |
State and local health officials did not issue statements in the reports reviewed for this article beyond the board actions and filings available publicly. The pending lawsuits in Richmond remain the primary venue for patients seeking civil relief. WE NEWS will continue to monitor developments in the litigation and any follow-up actions by licensing boards.
