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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - A Clarence doctor has been accused by federal authorities of writing unnecessary prescriptions in exchange for toilet paper and other goods.
Dr. Matthew Bennett was arrested Friday on a charge of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
His arrest follows a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that relied on four undercover law enforcement officers. The search warrants included his office in North Tonawanda.
Court documents describe Bennett routinely drafting prescriptions for painkillers without examining patients, at times in exchange for paper towels, toilet paper and a gas grill.
“As we have said many times before, the abuse of illegal prescription drugs is a serious issues both here in Western New York, and throughout the country, said U.S. Attorney Bill Hochul. “Under their oath, doctors are called on to ‘first, do no harm.’ Dispensing controlled substances without a physical examination or a diagnosed illness can in fact cause substantial harm to the recipient and others. Our Office will utilize all of the tools available to us to identify and prosecute all who engage in this sort of illegal activity.”