Podiatrist gets probation for oxycodone distribution
Valley Stream podiatrist Stephen Owusu arrives at federal court in Central Islip on Thursday, June 23, 2016. Credit: James Carbone
A Valley Stream podiatrist who had admitted to conspiring to illegally distribute oxycodone was sentenced Thursday to 3 years of probation.
Dr. Stephen Owusu, 62, wrote more than 450 prescriptions for oxycodone to people who were not his patients between March 2009 and July 2011, and charged $300 for each prescription, according to federal authorities.
Owusu also admitted in U.S. District Court in Central Islip that he knew that people filled the prescriptions, then turned around and sold their pills on the streets of Long Island and Brooklyn.
On Feb. 18, 2014, Owusu pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Wexler said Owusu had completed 2,400 hours of community service and was entitled to the sentence he had been promised.
On Thursday, in an interview after the sentencing, Owusu said that since his arrest he lost his job and his home and is living is a halfway house. Although Owusu said he can continue to treat patients, he cannot prescribe medication. And, that has hurt his ability to earn a living.
“That makes you completely ineffective as a doctor,” he said.
Out East Show: Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, Hallockville Museum Farm Bees, North Fork Foodie Tour, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
Out East Show: Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, Hallockville Museum Farm Bees, North Fork Foodie Tour, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
