Matthew Bennett, Distributing Controlled Substances, New York 2012

BUFFALO, N.Y.--In a shocking turn of events, Matthew Bennett, 49, of Clarence, NY, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for unlawfully distributing and dispensing oxycodone, a controlled substance. The sentencing was the result of an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.

According to court documents, Bennett issued prescriptions for controlled substances to undercover law enforcement officers without a proper medical examination and outside the norms of professional medical treatment. The prescriptions were written at Bennett's office at 624 River Road in North Tonawanda and at his home on Hunting Valley Road in Clarence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch stated that Bennett gave prescriptions to the undercover officers in exchange for items such as paper products and a gas grill. The defendant also forfeited $19,000 in United States currency as part of the plea agreement.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. condemned Bennett's actions, stating, ‘Through his greed, this defendant betrayed not only his profession but those patients who put their trust in him.’

The sentencing is a significant blow to the medical community, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of irresponsible actions by healthcare professionals.

Bennett's actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a physician, and his sentencing will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community.

Mandatory facts: Defendant Matthew Bennett, Exact criminal charges: Distributing Controlled Substances, City and state: Buffalo, New York, Exact date: 2012, Sentence or outcome: 36 months in prison, Dollar amounts where applicable: $19,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/clarence-physician-pleads-guilty-distributing-controlled-substances-0