NJ orthopedic surgeon admits illegally prescribing Oxycodone, faces 20 years in prison

An orthopedic surgeon from the Garden State has admitted to multiple counts of illegally prescribing pain medication to his patients.

Dr. Evangelos Megariotis Pleads Guilty

On Tuesday, 72-year-old Evangelos Megariotis pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to seven counts of a 34-count indictment charging him with dispensing Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen to five patients outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

Federal authorities say Megariotis wrote those prescriptions during a 9-month period in 2017 while he owned and operated Clifton Orthopedic Associates in Clinton, Hunterdon County.

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Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen, which are Schedule II controlled substances, have a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence and can result in fatal overdoses.

Potential 20-year Prison Sentence

Megariotis now faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 15th.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger credited agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division with the investigation that led to Tuesday's guilty plea.