By: Richard L. Smith
A Passaic County doctor faces charges of conspiring to distribute opioids without a legitimate medical reason. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced these charges, shedding light on a case underscoring the ongoing battle against opioid abuse.
The accused, Dr. Lisa Ferraro, 65, a resident of Hillsdale, now stands charged with one count of knowingly and intentionally conspiring and agreeing with others to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to federal officials, Ferraro's legal journey began today when she made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
She was subsequently released on a $150,000 unsecured bond.
The allegations against Ferraro span a troubling period from January 2020 to August 23, 2023. She practiced internal medicine in Paterson during this time, but her actions have drawn serious scrutiny.
It is alleged that she was part of a conspiracy to prescribe oxycodone, a potent opioid pain medication, to individuals who posed as patients.
Crucially, Ferraro is accused of failing to physically examine or question these individuals about their symptoms, thereby bypassing any legitimate medical need for oxycodone.
Among the troubling aspects of this case, it was revealed that two individuals who were incarcerated during the same period were receiving oxycodone prescriptions in their names from Ferraro.
Typically, these prescriptions were for 90 pills of 30mg oxycodone each. The pills were then allegedly split three ways, with Ferraro, a co-conspirator who recruited the fake patients, and the fake patients themselves, each receiving a share.
Over the course of this conspiracy, it is alleged that Ferraro wrote approximately 425 prescriptions, resulting in the distribution of about 36,500 30 mg oxycodone pills.
The charges she faces carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
The case against Lisa Ferraro underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and hold those responsible for illicit opioid distribution accountable.
This development sends a powerful message about the consequences of alleged unethical and illegal conduct in the medical profession.
The legal process will now proceed as Ferraro defends herself against these serious charges.