Former Shelton Doctor Sentenced To 46 Months In Prison: Feds

SHELTON, CT — A former Shelton doctor charged with illegally distributing prescription medication has been sentenced to prison, according to court officials.

In a news release Thursday, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery announced David Ciancimino, 63, of Trumbull, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ciancimino was a sole practitioner practicing psychiatry and neurology/psychiatry from an office in Shelton.

In October 2020, police began investigating Ciancimino's prescribing practices of various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall, Avery said.

During the investigation, federal task force officers acting in an undercover capacity paid Ciancimino $200 during visits to receive prescriptions for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination, Avery said.

Ciancimino was arrested on Sept. 23, 2021. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice on Jan. 24, Avery said.

According to Avery, Ciancimino surrendered his medical license in January. In addition to his fine, Ciancimino has forfeited $175,773.45 seized at the time of his arrest.

Ciancimino, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison in July, Avery said.