Joseph Martella, Jr., Unlawfully Distributing a Controlled Substance, Pennsylvania 2023

PITTSBURGH, PA – Joseph Martella, Jr., a 57-year-old resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to six months of probation and a $3,000 fine for unlawfully distributing a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today.

Martella, a licensed Pennsylvania pharmacist, pleaded guilty before and was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon on [Date of sentencing].

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between November 2013 and June 2016, Martella dispensed oxycodone, morphine sulfate, and hydrocodone by filling prescriptions at Martella Pharmacy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, knowing that the prescriptions were not issued for legitimate medical purposes.

Additionally, Martella agreed to a settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that he would not dispense Schedule II or III narcotics for a period of three years and that Martella’s Pharmacy would pay a civil settlement of $300,000 and follow regulatory and reporting requirements established by the DEA.

The investigation that led to Martella’s prosecution was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The case is a reminder that those who engage in unlawful activities related to controlled substances will be held accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pa-pharmacist-pleads-guilty-and-sentenced-unlawfully-dispensing-painkillers