Newark, N.J. – In a stunning revelation from the federal courthouse in Newark, 72-year-old orthopedic surgeon Evangelos Megariotis has pleaded guilty to seven counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Megariotis, who practiced in Clifton, New Jersey, admitted to issuing prescriptions for Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen to five patients between March 2017 and November 2017. These substances, classified as Schedule II controlled substances, carry a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence, as well as fatal overdoses.
According to the charges, Megariotis distributed these medications without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice. The 34-count indictment against him detailed a systematic effort to misuse his position as a physician for illegal drug distribution purposes.
The plea comes with a severe penalty: Megariotis faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger commended the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division for their investigation, noting the involvement of special agents, diversion investigators, and task force officers under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit.
RELATED: Orthopedic Surgeon Admits to Illicit Pain Pill Ring
Related Federal Cases
- Dr. Kenneth Nahum Pays $1.7M for Illegal Drug Imports · New Jersey
- Attorney General James Triumphs in Suit Against Trump Admin Over Illegal Medical Research Funding Cuts · New Jersey
- James Blocks President’s Illegal Vote Grab · Illinois
- James Slams Trump for Illegal Guard Deployment · North Carolina
- James Blocks Illegal Trump Funding Freeze · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
