A New York doctor is now facing drug charges stemming from police accusations that he illegally prescribed medication to undercover officers. Authorities from the Drug Enforcement Agency first begin investigating the doctor for drug charges back in Feb. 2011. Apparently officials became suspicious that the man was improperly prescribing medications once they noticed that several of the man's patients had been busted for the sale of prescription drugs in Western New York over a period of several years.

The federal drug investigation involved several undercover police agents along with a civilian who bought drugs from the doctor in May 2012. They allegedly continued purchasing drugs from the man for two more months. Apparently the doctor was willing to exchange prescription drugs for household items like toilet paper and paper towels and indicated a willingness to continue such exchanges on a regular basis.

Federal officials further claim that the New York doctor failed to examine certain patients but would still prescribe them opiate-based prescription drugs such as Oxymorphone and Xanax. They also allege that he would sometimes pass out prescription medications through his office's back door and would allow patients to decide how much of the drugs they would receive. The man now faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine as high as $1 million.

Despite the drug charges police have leveled against this man, he should still be presumed innocent until and only if authorities prove him guilty at trial. Prosecutors have a high burden of proof to overcome and must show enough evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. New York individuals who face drug allegations may wish to be sure that they fully understand New York and federal law as they prepare to defend themselves against such charges.

Source: Tonawanda News, "DOCTOR BUSTED," Jan. 1, 2013