Pharmacist allegedly stole nearly 200,000 pills
A New York City pharmacist was recently charged with stealing 193,000 painkiller pills worth an estimated $5.6 million on the black market.
A New York City pharmacist was recently charged with stealing 193,000 painkiller pills worth an estimated $5.6 million on the black market.
Until he was fired earlier this year, Anthony D’Alessandro, 47, worked for five years as a pharmacist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital. He had previously worked 14 years at Beth Israel Hospital, which merged into the Mount Sinai Health System in September.
Prosecutors said D’Alessandro used his access to the hospital’s drug supply to steal oxycodone and other painkillers, and to forge records to mask the thefts.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said D’Alessandro’s case “underscores the vigilance required when addictive medication with a high resale value is readily available, even to licensed professionals and trusted employees.”
In a statement filed with the court, D’Alessandro claimed he “was taking this drug for my own use” and disputes the quantity of painkillers he is accused of stealing. However, prosecutors contend he was selling the drugs for profit.
Prosecutors believe D’Alessandro stole oxycodone and other drugs on nearly 220 different dates. They said he made false entries in an electronic inventory system to indicate that the drugs were being sent to a research pharmacy within the hospital. Hospital officials said they went to authorities after receiving an anonymous tip.
D’Alessandro has pled not guilty to 247 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of grand larceny.
