NJ Doctor Who Overprescribed Opioids Sentenced To Prison

NEWARK, NJ — A Bergen County doctor who distributed opioids without a legitimate medical reason and falsified medical records to cover it up was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday, according to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger.

Robert Delagente, 48, of Oakland, previously pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, three counts of distribution of controlled dangerous substances, and one count of falsifying medical records.

Starting in 2014, Delagente prescribed controlled substances like oxycodone, Percocet, and Tylenol with codeine to patients without a legitimate reason while working at North Jersey Family Medicine in Oakland.

According to officials, Delagente "ignored the inherent danger and medical risk of overdose, drug abuse, and death" that comes with taking opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxers.

Delagente also altered the medical records of patients who received controlled substance prescriptions from him after authorities subpoenaed the records in late April 2019, officials said.

In addition to 72 months in prison, Delagente was also sentenced to three years of supervised release