New York State Doctor Pleads Guilty to Supplying Drug Addicts

New York doctor Eric Jacobson, 51, plead guilty to 19 counts of illegally prescribing oxycodone in front of Central Islip’s District Court on Monday, May 5. “Under the terms of a plea agreement, Jacobson will serve seven to nine years in prison, forfeit $250,000 to the government, and serve three years of supervised release,” News Dayreports. “The government originally seized $750,000 from Jacobson but will return $500,000.”

Unfortunately for Jacobson, his guilty plea may not be enough. Jacobson may also face charges of unlawfully supplying drugs to murderer David Laffer. “Laffer killed four people when he held up Haven Drugs on Father’s Day 2011 to feed his prescription drug habit,” according to CBS. Jacobson also allegedly distributed prescription drugs to Laffer’s wife, Melinda Brady. Shortly before the Laffer killing, Jacobson “voluntarily surrendered his Drug Enforcement Agency license to distribute controlled substances,” The Wall Street Journal continues.

At least two of the patients Jacobson’s patients died. Whether they were illegally prescribed painkillers or powerful drugs remains unclear. Although courts rightfully suspect Jacobson of supplying and reselling drugs to addicts, they concede that he is not responsible for any unlawful distribution of drugs to minors.

Jacobson’s attorney insists the former doctor is working with courts to reach a fair conclusion. The doctor hopes to limit jail time and retain some of his earnings to help his wife raise their family. Jacobson will be officially sentenced on November 7.

“Certain states have requirements for pharmacies to request identification for any patient picking up schedule II narcotics, and even certain over the counter medications that can be addictive,” explains Mike Gross, VP Sales and Marketing at Retail Management Solutions. “We have controls in place for our system to capture and scan a driver’s license for these products.”