Mistrial Declared in Needham Doc. Accused of Distributing Drugs to Patients

A judge declared a mistrial after a jury that deliberated for more than 30 hours couldn’t come to a verdict in the trial of a Needham doctor and nurse practitioner, reported the Boston Globe.

Dr. Joseph P. Zolot, 64, and nurse practitioner Lisa M. Pliner, 54, were on trial and charged with “conspiracy to violate drug laws and seven counts of illegal drug distribution.”

The two were originally indicted on eight counts with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances causing deaths. The indictment alleged, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, that Zolot and Pliner had conspired with each other to distribute methadone, oxycodone and fentanyl, all Schedule II Controlled Substances, by prescribing the drugs without a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice. Zolot and Pliner prescribed these controlled substances in amounts and frequency that were likely to, and did, cause addiction, deteriorated health, overdose and death in some patients. “

Prosecutors withdrew those initial charges. U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz has to decide by September whether she will order another trial for Zolot and Pliner.