James T. Keefe, Illegally Prescribing Controlled Substances, New York 2020

A shocking case of medical malpractice has come to light as former local doctor James T. Keefe, 39, of Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.

According to a recent plea agreement, Keefe conspired with several co-defendants, including Benjamin Rivera, Laura Ricotta, Takeya Rainey, and Phousavath Luangrath, to divert and distribute Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances by issuing fraudulent prescriptions to his co-workers, friends, and drug-dealing and drug-using associates. These prescriptions were issued without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice.

The investigation revealed that Keefe had been issuing prescriptions in the names of Rivera and nine of his relatives and associates to exchange for cocaine and for a share of the prescribed drugs. Keefe also issued prescriptions to Rivera’s girlfriend, co-defendant Laura Ricotta, using the names and personal information of six relatives and associates of Ricotta to issue fraudulent prescriptions.

Furthermore, Keefe began issuing prescriptions to co-defendant Takeya Rainey in the summer of 2017, and sometimes gave her gift or Visa cash cards in exchange for the controlled substances. The investigation also found that Keefe and co-defendant Luangrath were involved in an intimate relationship and that Keefe was allowed to issue prescriptions in her name.

The investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, revealed that Keefe issued 179 fraudulent prescriptions in his own name and the names of others, for Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, between January 1, 2014, and February 23, 2018.

The plea is a significant victory for the justice system, and serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of medical ethics. The case against Keefe is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of medical malpractice and the need for accountability in the medical community.

Keefe is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2020, before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Charges remain pending against Ricotta, and the fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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