54°
A lengthy investigation into several opioid overdoses last year led to the arrest of George Blatti, a doctor in Rockville Centre who allegedly prescribed opioids to patients without examining them.
The investigation into Blatti determined that some of his patients had an inordinate number of prescriptions for opioids that were written by Blatti, a general practitioner originally licensed to practice medicine in 1976, who had no specialized training or accreditation in pain management.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Blatti maintained an office in a Franklin Square location that used to be a Radio Shack, noting that the business still had a Radio Shack sign and merchandise racks from Radio Shack on the walls.
According to the indictment, Blatti met customers at his Franklin Square office, in a hotel parking lot in Rockville Centre and at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Rockville Centre.
It is alleged that at least five customers, who were addicted to opioids, went to Blatti with “shopping lists” and were prescribed drugs on demand. Blatti is alleged to have accepted cash from the buyers, who asked for drugs in specific quantities without being examined.
Singas said that some of the customers allegedly told him about their drug dependency issues and even requested to be taken off the medicines. Among the drugs prescribed by Blatti were Roxicodone, Methadone, Dilaudid, Adderall.
Blatti was arrested on April 18 following the nearly yearlong investigation. Singas noted that Blatti surrendered his medical license on June 24.
Blatti was arraigned and charged with 22 counts of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance; six counts of forgery; four counts of reckless endangerment, and 22 counts of criminal division of prescription medications.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said, “today’s indictment of Dr. George Blatti sends a clear and concise message that Nassau County will not tolerate this type of pill-pushing by doctors which is extremely dangerous to our residents and communities. Defendant Blatti gave no consideration of an individual’s pain management or addiction history and selfishly for financial gain, abused his position which ultimately ruined many lives."
Bail was continued at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash and Blatti is scheduled to appear back in court on Tuesday, Nov. 26, when he will face decades in prison, if convicted.
“The defendant – a longtime doctor – allegedly wrote multiple prescriptions for dangerous opioids and amphetamines in exchange for cash,” Singas said. “Based on our investigation, Dr. George Blatti was not operating a legitimate medical practice, did not examine his customers and was selling scripts to drug-addicted individuals in parking lots across Nassau County.
"Thanks to an outstanding partnership with the Nassau County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, this defendant was arrested and will now face justice for his alleged crimes.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.
