Northport Doc Accused of Pocketing Cash for Oxycodone Prescriptions

A Northport doctor was arrested Thursday morning after he surrendered himself to Drug Enforcement Agency agents on charges stemming from alleged offenses including intentionally distributing highly addictive controlled substances including oxycodone, methadone and fentanyl without a legitimate medical purpose. 

According to an affidavit signed by DEA Special Agent Anton Kohut, an investigation revealed that Dr. Carmine Mandarano, 61, of Northport, who has a practice in East Islip, was allegedly pocketing cash from patients in exchange for prescriptions for highly addictive prescription drugs.

Kohut, who interviewed Mandarano’s patients, said that he continued to prescribe oxycodone and other addictive substances, while knowing his patients were being treated for opiate addiction.

Records obtained from the New York State Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement showed that

Between 2010 and 2012, Mandarano was found to have written prescriptions for more than 308,000 oxycodone pills, which according to the DEA, is an extremely high number for a single family practitioner, especially one that has a self-described specialty in asthma, allergies and smoking cessation.

Mandarano faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. He will have an initial court appearance Thursday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay in U.S. District Court, Central Islip.