2 Docs Who Worked at Fla. Pain Clinic Charged in Deaths of 9 Patients, Could Get Life If Convicted
Two physicians who worked at South Florida pain clinics have been charged in a federal indictment with crimes related to the alleged oxycodone-caused deaths of nine patients.
Cynthia Cadet, 42, is charged in the deaths of seven patients and Joseph Castronuovo, 72, is charged in the deaths of two. They could get as much as life in prison on each count if convicted, according to the Sun Sentinel and the South Florida Business Journal.
Meanwhile, the two brothers who operated the pain clinic have been sentenced to a little over 15 years in prison. A total of 28 of the 32 individuals charged last year in the Operation Oxy Alley racketeering conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy case have reportedly taken pleas.
Attorney Richard Merlino represents Cadet and says her conduct fell within the standard of care, as expert testimony will show. He also says there was no direct connection between prescriptions she wrote and patient deaths.
Castronuovo’s lawyer could not immediately be reached by the Sun Sentinel for comment.
Key News and the Pulp page of the Broward/Palm Beach New Times also have stories.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Federal Judge Slams Mastermind of $205M Health Care Racket with Record 50-Year Sentence”
