‘El Chapo of Opioids’: Doctor admits prescribing opioids without medical purpose

A doctor from Bergen County who authorities say described himself as “Candy Man” and “El Chapo of Opioids” has admitted prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose.

News 12 Staff

Feb 25, 2020, 12:35 PM

Updated 1,613 days ago

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A doctor from Bergen County who authorities say described himself as “Candy Man” and “El Chapo of Opioids” has admitted prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose.
Robert Delagente, 45, on Monday pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of controlled dangerous substances, conspiracy to distribute them and falsifying medical records.
According to prosecutors, Delagente often prescribed painkillers without ever seeing some patients, allowing them to ask for the drugs by text message.
Prosecutors say they would pick up prescriptions at the front desk of Delagente's Bergen County office, letting them choose the strength and dosage of the drug prescriptions he wrote.
Delagente faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of over $1 million when he's sentenced in June.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.


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