A Long Island dentist has been accused of the unthinkable, accepting sex in exchange for painkillers. Authorities say his dirty little scheme of preying on drug-addicted women lasted for years.
Somehow in this crazy world of law, Barry Arnold, 70, was released on Thursday under a ruling that will allow him to continue working, federal authorities stated.
Arnold, a dentist in Valley Stream, is accused of making unnecessary prescriptions for Oxycodone, Percocet, and Xanax in exchange for sex at both his home and place of work between October 2016 and August 2020.
Authorities allege that he made over 28 bogus and illegal prescriptions for six women who were heavily addicted to drugs. None of the women were his patients, the New York Post reported.
He was released on a $200,000 bond and his allowed to continue his dentistry work. However, he does not have prescription-writing privileges or access to laughing gas.
“The defendant is more dangerous than a street criminal because he has access to a prescription pad,” Assistant US Attorney Michael Bushwack told Judge Gary Brown in federal court in Central Islip.
Despite the allegations against him, Arnold’s attorney assured that he is an “upstanding citizen” and has practiced for 43 years in dentistry.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.
“Dr. Arnold took advantage of vulnerable, addicted women for his own benefit. He is ethically and legally responsible for every prescription, but he broke his oath with his alleged misconduct, and he is really no different than a street dealer,” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge, Peter Fitzhugh, said in a statement.
“Dr. Arnold abused his position as a dentist and preyed upon vulnerable, drug-addicted women,” acting US Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis stated. “We are committed to vigorous prosecution of medical professionals who abdicate their Hippocratic Oath and contribute to the rise of drug abuse and addiction in our communities.”
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