New Jersey's Self-Proclaimed 'El Chapo Of Opioids' Faces Federal Distribution Charges
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey doctor who authorities said referred to himself as the "El Chapo of Opioids" prescribed painkillers without seeing the patients who were receiving them. He often communicated via text message, and falsified records to cover his tracks, according to a criminal complaint released Monday.
Robert Delagente was scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon. The Oakland-based Delagente is charged with distributing a controlled dangerous substance and obstruction.
The U.S. attorney's office alleges that for the last five years, Delagente used his practice, North Jersey Family Medicine, to illegally prescribe opioids for patients, often allowing them to choose their own dosage.
Another time, he allegedly texted a patient that he was sending the patient's prescription on a different day than a similar prescription to the patient's mother "to not draw any suspicion."
The complaint also charges Delagente with altering medical records to hide his activities.
Both charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The complaint also alleges Delagente didn't monitor whether his patients were becoming addicted to the painkillers, and prescribed the drugs to people he knew were already addicted.
An attorney listed as representing Delagente didn't immediately return an email seeking comment on the charges.
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