Barry Arnold, Prescription Drug and Sex Trafficking, New York 2020
A shocking case of prescription drug and sex trafficking has emerged on Long Island, New York, with the arrest of Dr. Barry Arnold, a practicing dentist with an office in Valley Stream, New York.
According to a federal indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court, Dr. Arnold allegedly wrote illegal prescriptions to women for oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and alprazolam ("Xanax"), a Schedule IV controlled substance, in exchange for sex acts.
The indictment alleges that Dr. Arnold engaged in this illicit behavior between October 2016 and August 2020, prescribing oxycodone, Percocet, and Xanax to numerous drug-addicted victims in exchange for sex acts at his former dental office in Lynbrook, his current office in Valley Stream, and his home in Williston Park.
"As alleged, Dr. Arnold abused his position as a dentist and preyed upon vulnerable, drug-addicted women, trading prescriptions for sex acts," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis. "We are committed to vigorous prosecution of medical professionals who abdicate their Hippocratic Oath and contribute to the rise of drug abuse and addiction in our communities."
Dr. Arnold is charged with writing illegal prescriptions to women for oxycodone and alprazolam in exchange for sex acts, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The government's investigation was led by the DEA's Long Island Tactical Diversion Squad, which is comprised of agents and officers of the DEA, SCPD, Nassau County Police Department, HHS-OIG, and Port Washington Police Department. In addition, HSI, SCPD Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, and Suffolk County Sheriff's Office assisted with the investigation of the case.
"During the course of close to four years, Dr. Arnold used his ability to write prescriptions to take advantage of those struggling with addiction for his own personal indulgences," stated Acting SCPD Commissioner Stuart Cameron. "While this doctor should have held himself to a higher standard, our officers on the DEA'S Long Island Tactical Diversion Squad will continue to hold those in medical practice accountable for illegal actions and I would like to commend the Eastern District of New York for making a difference in the opioid epidemic."
Dr. Arnold will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks.
**Mandatory Facts:**
Defendant/Respondent: Dr. Barry Arnold
Criminal Charges: Writing illegal prescriptions to women for oxycodone and alprazolam in exchange for sex acts
City and State: Valley Stream, New York
Exact Date: October 2016 - August 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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