Former New Haven Doctor Overprescribed Oxycodone: U.S. Attorney

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 37-year-old former New Haven doctor was indicted on 35 counts of distribution of narcotics without a legitimate medical purpose for overprescribing oxycodone, announced United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Dr. Jennifer Farrell, who previously lived in New Haven but now resides in Chapel Hill, NC, was indicted by a federal grand jury in New Haven on Tuesday.

According to Durham, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Farrell was a medical resident at Yale New Haven Health in the Emergency Department from July 2017 until June 2019.

"From March 2018 to March 2019, Farrell wrote at least 35 prescriptions for oxycodone for non-legitimate medical purposes outside the scope of her professional practice in the name of at least five individuals," according to a release. "Farrell did not see any of the individuals for any medical purpose at any YNHH facility during the entire period of her residency."

If convicted, Farrell faces a maximum 20 years in prison on each count. She was arrested on a federal criminal complaint last month, and is currently free on a $200,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Group, and the Federal Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.