Mineola, NY — A 71-year-old doctor and his 33-year-old son are accused of running a three-month scheme that illegally distributed prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances across Long Island and Queens, prosecutors said Thursday. Authorities allege the pair bypassed medical evaluations entirely, issuing dozens of prescriptions that fueled access to drugs like Percocet, Adderall, and Xanax.
Richard Taubman, a Glen Head physician, and his son Eric Taubman were arraigned April 30 in Nassau County on multiple felony charges tied to the alleged prescription operation.
Alleged “family-run” prescription pipeline
Prosecutors say the scheme relied on a simple but illegal arrangement: Eric Taubman allegedly collected names and drug requests from friends and acquaintances, then passed that information to his father.
Richard Taubman, who had returned to practice in early 2022 at a non-surgical weight loss center in Suffolk County, allegedly wrote prescriptions without examining patients or establishing legitimate medical need.
Between April 5 and June 29, 2022, investigators say he issued dozens of prescriptions electronically from his Glen Head home to pharmacies in Queens, distributing hundreds of pills during that span.
DEA tip sparks multi-year investigation
The case began with complaints from pharmacy employees.
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a DEA tipline received multiple reports in July 2022 from pharmacists in Queens who noticed a suspicious volume of prescriptions tied to Taubman.
That prompted a joint investigation between the DEA and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, involving interviews, pharmacy record reviews, and coordination with the New York State Department of Health.
Authorities ultimately stripped Richard Taubman of his ability to prescribe controlled substances in August 2022 as the investigation expanded.
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Key Points
• Doctor and son charged with selling dozens of illegal prescriptions for opioids and other drugs
• DEA tip from pharmacists triggered multi-year investigation across Long Island and Queens
• Both pleaded not guilty and were released pending next court appearance
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Charges and court status
Both defendants face 20 counts of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance, along with additional counts of attempted criminal sale and conspiracy.
They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment before Judge William Bodkin and were released on their own recognizance. Their next court date is scheduled for May 7.
If convicted, each could face up to 5½ years in prison.
How the drugs allegedly circulated
Investigators say the prescriptions included oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall), and alprazolam (Xanax).
Some recipients allegedly used the drugs personally, while others resold or traded them for profit or other substances, including marijuana.
Authorities allege Eric Taubman received payment from individuals seeking the prescriptions, effectively acting as a middleman in the operation.
Public health implications
Officials tied the case to broader concerns about prescription drug abuse and the role of medical professionals in preventing misuse.
“By allegedly treating high-potency opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines like casual favors, these defendants demonstrated an unsettling disregard” for the addiction crisis, District Attorney Donnelly said in a statement.
DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam added that the case reflects ongoing efforts to target those who “profit from the ongoing opioid crisis.”
What happens next
Richard and Eric Taubman surrendered to investigators on Thursday and now face ongoing prosecution as the case moves forward in Nassau County court.
Authorities say the investigation has concluded with charges filed, but the case remains active in the judicial system as prosecutors prepare for upcoming proceedings.