A New Jersey orthopedic doctor has been charged with illegally prescribing medicines to his patients ranging from Xanax to Opioids.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said that Dr. Evangelos Megariotis, 68, of Clifton, Passaic County, who owned and operated Clifton Orthopedic Associates, is charged via an indictment with 34 counts of illegally prescribing controlled substances to his patients.

For about a year and a half, between November of 2016 and February of 2018, Megariotis had prescribed various controlled substances, illegally, from oxycodone, and alprazolam (or “Xanax”), to cough syrup with codeine, and stimulants.

Attorney Selinger said Megariotis, also did so, for no legitimate medical purpose and outside what was normal for professional practice.

Megariotis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the charge of illegal prescribing of Schedule II opioids and stimulants.

If convicted of illegal prescribing of alprazolam, Megariotis would face a maximum of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

If Megariotis is convicted of illegal prescribing of cough syrup with codeine, he could face a maximum of one year in prison, and a $100,000 fine.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Spiro of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit.

Defense counsel: Riza I. Dagli Esq., Roseland, New Jersey.

12 Times Being High Cost NJ Residents & Towns

More From 94.3 The Point