By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey orthopedic surgeon admitted to multiple counts of illegally prescribing pain medication to his patients, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Tuesday. 
According to federal officials, Evangelos Megariotis, 72, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to seven counts of a 34-count indictment.
The charges involve dispensing Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen to five patients outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to court documents and statements, Megariotis, who specialized in orthopedic surgery, practiced in Clifton.
Between March 2017 and November 2017, he issued prescriptions for the aforementioned Schedule II controlled substances, which have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence, as well as fatal overdoses.
Megariotis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2024.