A shocking case of pharmacy abuse has come to light in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Joseph Martella, Jr., a 57-year-old licensed pharmacist, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully distributing or dispensing a controlled substance.
The charges state that Martella, between November 2013 and June 2016, dispensed oxycodone, morphine sulfate, and hydrocodone by filling prescriptions at Martella Pharmacy in Johnstown, knowing the prescriptions were not issued for legitimate medical purposes.
Martella was sentenced to six months of probation and a fine of $3,000 by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. This lenient sentence has sparked outrage among locals and law enforcement officials.
In a separate agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Martella has agreed not to dispense Schedule II or III narcotics for a period of three years. His pharmacy, Martella Pharmacy, has also been ordered to pay a civil settlement of $300,000 and adhere to regulatory and reporting requirements established by the DEA.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to Martella’s prosecution, with United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announcing the news in a statement.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting the case. The guilty plea and sentencing have brought a sense of relief to the community, but many are left wondering how such a blatant case of pharmacy abuse went on for so long without detection.
As the community continues to reel from this shocking revelation, one thing is clear: the fight against prescription painkiller abuse is far from over.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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