San Antonio Businessman Lucky Ott Acquitted in Federal Case Amid Controversy

San Antonio Businessman Lucky S. Ott Acquitted in Federal Criminal Case

On October 27, 2025, Lucky S. Ott, Jr., a businessman from San Antonio, was found not guilty in a federal criminal case that had captured public attention. The case, which was connected to healthcare fraud allegations stemming from his business, was surrounded by significant controversies and challenges in regulatory compliance.

Ott, who was previously the owner of Boerne Drug Company, operated his pharmacy in Boerne, Texas from 2014 until 2019. During this time, his business utilized the services of marketers to expand its reach to patients. However, unbeknownst to him, some of these marketers employed questionable tactics including improper cold calling, leading to the generation of fraudulent prescriptions that his pharmacists filled in good faith.

The legal troubles for Ott started to unfold in April 2019 when a business associate, Chris O'Hara, was arrested during a federal crackdown known as Operation Brace Yourself. This operation centered on severe allegations of healthcare fraud and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Following this, federal authorities sought Ott's cooperation in their prosecution against O'Hara. Though he complied and met with prosecutors on several occasions, Ott maintained his innocence, refusing to falsely implicate himself in any wrongdoing.

In 2022, prosecutors charged Ott in the Southern District of Georgia, a jurisdiction with which he had no prior connection. The trial began on October 20, 2025, with O'Hara as the key witness against Ott. O'Hara, who had accepted a plea deal in 2024, alleged that Ott had entered into an agreement where Boerne Drug Company was to pay a substantial percentage of its profits to O'Hara's companies. However, during the trial, Ott's defense attorney, Stephen Lee, revealed inconsistencies in O'Hara's claims, effectively challenging the credibility of his testimony.

Moreover, evidence surfaced showing that the government had made significant errors in its investigation. For instance, texts from Ott that could have clarified his position were misinterpreted, and crucial documentation had been altered by O'Hara after he began cooperating with authorities, casting further doubt on the prosecution's case.

As the trial progressed, on the last day of arguments, Lee filed a motion for acquittal, pointing out the lack of sufficient evidence to establish venue and contending that the government had not proven Ott’s knowledge of any illegal activity regarding his agreements. Within hours, U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall granted the motion, asserting that the evidence did not support trying the case in Georgia.

Upon his acquittal, Ott expressed profound gratitude to the San Antonio community for their unwavering support throughout this arduous journey. He specifically thanked friends and family, emphasizing his relief at being able to move forward with his life. “I'm glad that this nightmare is finally over,” Ott stated, expressing a desire to assist others facing similar legal issues.

Stephen Lee, Ott's attorney, noted that the government’s case was flawed from inception and reiterated Ott's commitment to compliance with the law, ultimately portraying him as a victim of circumstances rather than a perpetrator.

This case not only sheds light on the difficulties faced by small businesses operating within the healthcare sector but also underscores the crucial need for fair legal representation. As the dynamics of healthcare marketing evolve, this acquittal may signal to legislators the urgency of clarifying existing laws to protect businesses while ensuring that violations are prosecuted fairly.

With his name cleared after a lengthy and contentious trial, Lucky Ott looks toward new opportunities, eager to turn the page on a troubled chapter of his professional life. He notes that the lessons learned from this experience have equipped him to help others in similar situations navigate the complexities of healthcare regulations.

For readers who wish to follow Ott’s journey or require more information, they can contact Stephen Lee at [email protected] or via phone at 312-436-1790.