upstate NY Man Arrested for posing as Doctor, Distributing Oxycodone
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By Aaliyah Ramirez | ROCHESTER – 2025/05/23 21:29:12
A man from Upstate New York is in custody after allegedly impersonating a medical professional and illegally dispensing prescription medications.
Kevin Whitman, 27, of Irondequoit, N.Y., was formally charged on Thursday with multiple federal offenses, including distributing controlled substances, using another person’s DEA registration to obtain drugs, and fraudulently acquiring controlled substances. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
According to the U.S.Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York, Whitman falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and illegally used a DEA Registration Number belonging to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He allegedly wrote 177 prescriptions to nine individuals for Schedule II controlled substances, including 173 prescriptions for oxycodone, between August 2023 and April 2025.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
Assistant U.S.Attorney Sean C. eldridge stated that “Whitman is not a licensed physician and dose not work at Strong memorial Hospital.” A search of Whitman’s residence reportedly uncovered a fake diploma indicating graduation from the University of Rochester Medical School; though, “Whitman does not have a medical degree,” according to Eldridge.
“Whitman is not a licensed physician and does not work at Strong Memorial Hospital,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge said.
Whitman made a court appearance on Thursday morning and was subsequently released with conditions.
Investigation and Assisting Agencies
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department Health of Human Services, and the New York State Attorney General’s office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The University of Rochester Department of Public Safety, New York state Police, and the Brighton Police Department provided additional support.
Understanding Prescription Drug Fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
- what is prescription drug fraud?
- Prescription drug fraud involves illegal activities related to prescription medications, such as forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, or distributing drugs without authorization.
- What are Schedule II controlled substances?
- Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include oxycodone, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
- What are the potential consequences of prescription drug fraud?
- Consequences can include imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record.Additionally, it contributes to the opioid crisis and can have serious health consequences for individuals involved.
Sources
- CDC – Drug Overdose Deaths
- DEA – Drug Overdoses
- DEA – Timeline
- PMC – Harrison Narcotics Tax Act
- DEA – Controlled Substances Act
- Justice.gov – Controlled Substances Act
- DOJ – secure Drug Disposal Act
- FDA – Disposing of Unused Medicines
- Congress.gov – SUPPORT Act
- CMS – SUPPORT Act
- CDC – Prescription Opioid Overdoses
- NIDA – Opioid Overdose crisis
- DEA – Drug Scheduling
- DOJ – Controlled Substance Schedules
- Justice.gov – Criminal Penalties
- Cornell Law – Criminal Penalties
