New Jersey orthopedic surgeon, Evangelos Megariotis, 72, has admitted to participating in an illicit pain pill ring, illegally prescribing powerful painkillers to unsuspecting patients.
Megariotis pleaded guilty to seven counts of a 34-count indictment, charging him with dispensing Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen to five patients outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to court documents, Megariotis, a Clifton, New Jersey-based surgeon, issued prescriptions for the Schedule II controlled substances – Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen – to his patients without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice from March 2017 through November 2017.
The powerful painkillers have a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence, and can result in fatal overdoses. Megariotis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents, diversion investigators and task force officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2024. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of opioid abuse and the importance of holding medical professionals accountable for their actions.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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