HARRISBURG, Pa. – A Cumberland County doctor is accused of prescribing narcotic pain-relievers to multiple individuals despite never performing medical examinations for these people.
Josepha Thomas Acri, 58, of Camp Hill, was charged following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.
The criminal charges filed against Acri were recommended by a statewide investigating grand jury, which heard testimony and reviewed evidence in the case. Acri was found to have prescribed extremely high doses of OxyContin and Oxycodone, often earlier than was permissible, according to testimony heard by the grand jury.
Additionally, Acri allegedly filled out multiple prescriptions with a pad from the Carlisle Regional Medical Center at a time when he was not affiliated with the medical center. Investigators also allege Acri conspired with another individual to obtain controlled substances by fraud through the presentation of two altered or forged prescriptions.
The alleged criminal activity took place between February 2011 and March 2014. Acri is charged with four counts of unlawful prescription of controlled substances and one count each of acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud, criminal conspiracy to acquire by fraud and failure to keep records of distribution of controlled substances.
Acri appeared today for a preliminary arraignment. His bail was set at $10,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for February 18.
