Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey orthopedic surgeon today admitted multiple counts of illegally prescribing pain medication to his patients, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Evangelos Megariotis, 72, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court 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 documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Megariotis was a New Jersey physician specializing in orthopedic surgery and practicing in Clifton, New Jersey. From March 2017 through November 2017, Megariotis issued prescriptions for Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen pills to five of his patients, and did so without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice. Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen – Schedule II controlled substances – 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. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2024.
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.