A doctor and his wife, once stars on the hit Bravo show Below Deck, are facing serious charges after authorities say they used the names of fellow cast members to get prescription drugs.
Francis Martinis, a 55-year-old urologist, and his wife Jessica, 38, were indicted on four counts of illegally selling prescriptions for opioids and four counts of messing with official documents. The couple, who appeared on Below Deck, allegedly used the names of other cast members to get drugs like oxycodone at pharmacies across Long Island, New York.
It all started back in January when Jessica tried to fill a handwritten prescription for oxycodone at a pharmacy. The name on the prescription wasn't hers, and the pharmacist, who noticed something fishy, called the cops.
Further investigation revealed that Francis had been electronically sending prescriptions with fake names to different pharmacies. None of the cast members whose names were used actually live on Long Island, raising even more red flags.
Prosecutors say Jessica would pick up the drugs and pay for them in cash.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney had some strong words for the couple, saying doctors are supposed to be trustworthy and this kind of behavior is not only unethical but also illegal. Jessica allegedly told cops that they didn't sell any prescriptions and everything was for them, but prosecutors aren't buying it.
The couple's lawyer insists they're innocent and the charges are simply "bogus." The next court date is set for January 25th, and until then, both Francis and Jessica are on supervised release.
This case highlights the seriousness of prescription drug abuse and the dangers of doctor-patient relationships gone wrong. It also raises questions about the pressures and temptations faced by those in the reality TV spotlight.
Comments
Post a Comment