New York spine surgeon pleads guilty to illegal painkiller prescription, faces $250K fine

Spine
Laura Dyrda -

Anthony Leone, MD, pleaded guilty to writing himself illegal prescriptions for pain medication, according to The Buffalo News.

Dr. Leone is a spine and general orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cheektowaga, N.Y. He previously underwent spine surgeries that left him in pain, and he admitted to prescribing himself painkillers and then lying about using them on a controlled substances commercial distributor form.

According to the report, Dr. Leone obtained Adderall XR, hydrocodone, clonazepam, tramadol and zolpidem in bulk. When investigators found the painkillers during a search of Dr. Leone's office in April 2018, he told them the drugs were for patients.

Dr. Leone has since undergone a six-week treatment program and is now subject to random drug testing. He will continue his medical practice.

Dr. Leone faces a $250,000 fine based on the maximum penalty for the charges, according to a statement from the Western Distsrict of New York.

 

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