Newark, NJ – A New Jersey doctor has been sentenced to 136 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a powerful prescription painkiller.
Michael Durante, a 59-year-old internal medicine specialist from Montclair, New Jersey, was found guilty of 16 of 17 counts in the superseding indictment against him, including conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and 15 counts of unlawful distribution of the drug.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Durante sold prescriptions for more than 80,000 oxycodone pills to patients who were engaged in drug trafficking between July 2009 and March 2011. The pills were then resold on the streets, with Durante knowing that they would be used for illicit purposes.
Durante also falsified medical records and accepted bribes from patients in exchange for prescriptions. He was caught on tape accepting $300 from one patient and $100 from an undercover agent for extra prescriptions.
Durante’s sentence includes three years of supervised release and a fine of $4,000. He is also required to pay $629,461 in restitution. His co-conspirators, Andre Domando and Dennis Abato, are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman credited the New Jersey DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, the FBI, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation for their role in the investigation.
The case highlights the dangers of prescription pill abuse and the importance of holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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