CONCORD, NH – Theodoros Bahtsevanos, 32, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, isn’t just a patient looking for relief. He’s a fraud, and he admitted as much in federal court today, copping to charges of prescription fraud and using false identification. The feds say Bahtsevanos was running a sophisticated scheme to score Adderall, a highly sought-after controlled substance, using fake prescriptions and a whole wardrobe of fake IDs.
According to court documents, Bahtsevanos hit pharmacies in Nashua and Derry, New Hampshire, twice in May of 2018. The prescriptions weren’t scribbled on a napkin – they featured falsified signatures, but crucially, they *did* contain legitimate DEA registration numbers belonging to actual doctors. He wasn’t just winging it; this was a calculated effort to appear legitimate while operating under multiple aliases.
When law enforcement finally caught up with Bahtsevanos, they didn’t find a handful of fake IDs. They found nine. Each one bore his photograph but listed a different name and state of origin. But the IDs were just the tip of the iceberg. Investigators also discovered a meticulously kept ledger detailing DEA numbers, physician names, and the fake recipients used to fill the fraudulent prescriptions. The scope of the operation is staggering – authorities believe Bahtsevanos successfully filled over 90 fake prescriptions across New Hampshire.
“Protecting the integrity of our health care system is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” stated U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray. “Those who obtain prescription drugs by fraudulent means divert drugs from their intended uses and may contribute to the unlawful drug trade. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who participate in unlawful schemes to obtain prescription drugs.” Translation: if you think you can game the system, think again.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control, the New Hampshire State Police, and local departments in Derry, Nashua, and Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is handling the prosecution. Bahtsevanos is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2019, and faces a significant stretch for his elaborate scheme. Expect a harsh penalty; diverting controlled substances isn’t a victimless crime.
This case serves as a stark reminder that prescription drug fraud isn’t just about obtaining pills. It’s about exploiting a broken system, contributing to the opioid crisis, and putting legitimate patients at risk. And in New Hampshire, as in every state, the feds are watching.
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Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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