South Jersey Pharmacist Admits To Illegally Giving Oxycodone, Painkillers To Addicts: Authorities

A Burlington County pharmacist has admitted to his role in a long-running scheme to illegally distribute large quantities of oxycodone and other drugs, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said on Thursday.

David Goldfield, 58, of Medford Lakes, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute and dispense oxycodone and other Schedule II controlled substances, and multiple substantive counts of illegal distribution and dispensing of oxycodone.

Goldfield and 44-year-old Michael Ludwikowski, of Medford, were previously charged in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy to illegally distribute and dispense oxycodone and other Schedule II controlled substances, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and multiple substantive counts of illegal distribution.

Ludwikowski was also charged with using his cellphone in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Goldfield worked for Ludwikowski at Olde Medford Pharmacy and Medford Family Pharmacy, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

Goldfield admitted that from January of 2010 through August of 2013, they knowingly distributed and dispensed oxycodone and other controlled substances to people, including addicts, who presented phony prescriptions.

Goldfield admitted, based upon his training and experience, as well as the “red flags” he observed, it was obvious that many of the oxycodone prescriptions that Goldfield and Ludwikowski filled were fraudulent.

These red flags included prescriptions for oxycodone that appeared to have been “washed” or “bleached.”
Authorities had alleged that this was done through a chemical process that removed the original writing for a non-narcotic substance. The customers then rewrote the prescriptions for their drug of choice, including oxycodone.

Other red flags included customers who were believed to be drug addicts, or believed to be selling or abusing the oxycodone; customers seeking oxycodone with residential addresses far from the Medford area, including for example, Camden; the same customer 2 presenting oxycodone prescriptions in numerous different names, including the names of both men and women; and customers presenting oxycodone prescriptions for a 30-day supply multiple times a week.

However, Goldfield said that even when he had suspicions about the legitimacy of particular prescriptions, Ludwikowski told him to fill them anyway.

Goldfield also admitted that he and Ludwikowski put bottles of oxycodone in a pull-out drawer as opposed to a locked safe so that employees had easy access to the drug.

Eventually, Ludwikowski became concerned that the high number of oxycodone prescriptions that were being filled would draw the attention of law enforcement. As a result, they began to turn away customers who were bringing in fraudulent prescriptions by telling them that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had reduced their supply of oxycodone.

Goldfield faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2017.

The allegations against Ludwikowski remain accusations, and Fishman noted that he is innocent unless and until proven guilty.