Below Deck" Scandal Unveiled: Guests Accused of Utilizing Cast Member Names in Opioid Scheme, According to District Attorney
Below Deck" Scandal Unveiled: Reality TV Couple Faces Charges in Alleged Opioid Prescription Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, a prominent urologist and his wife, who gained fame through appearances on the popular Bravo reality show Below Deck, now face serious legal repercussions. Dr. Francis Martinis, a 55-year-old urologist from Fort Salonga, New York, and his wife, Jessica Martinis, 38, are accused of orchestrating a scheme to obtain fraudulent opioid prescriptions using the names of fellow cast members.
Suffolk County authorities announced the indictment on Thursday, charging the couple with criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance and falsifying business records. District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Physicians are held to a high standard, as they take an oath to uphold a number of professional ethical standards when they begin their careers. The conduct Dr. Martinis allegedly engaged in with his wife not only violated this oath, but it also violated the law.
The alleged modus operandi involved electronically transmitting oxycodone prescriptions to various pharmacies across Long Island under the names of other Below Deck stars. Jessica, the wife, would then pick up and pay for these prescriptions with cash. The scheme first raised suspicions in January when an attempt to fill a bogus prescription handwritten by Dr. Martinis prompted a vigilant pharmacist to alert the authorities.
Prosecutors assert that none of the oxycodone prescriptions were intended for the individuals whose names were used in the fraudulent scheme. Jessica's response to her arrest, as per a bail letter obtained by People, claimed, "We didn't sell any prescriptions; it was all for us. There was no diversion.
In the face of these serious charges, their attorney, Peter Crusco, maintains their innocence, stating, "My clients have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent, and look forward to their day in court to clear their names." The couple is scheduled to appear in court on January 25, leaving the reality TV world and legal arena eagerly awaiting the unfolding of this unexpected and troubling saga.
In a dramatic twist involving a reality TV couple, the alleged opioid prescription scheme has cast a shadow over the once-celebrated duo from Below Deck. Dr. Francis Martinis and his wife, Jessica Martinis, now face serious legal charges, accused of using the names of fellow cast members to obtain fraudulent opioid prescriptions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasizes the breach of professional and ethical standards by Dr. Martinis, a urologist. The alleged scheme involved electronically transmitting oxycodone prescriptions under false identities, with Jessica picking up and paying for the prescriptions with cash.
The prosecutor's assertion that none of the prescriptions were intended for the individuals named further intensifies the severity of the charges. Jessica's claim that the prescriptions were for personal use and not for sale introduces a complex layer to the unfolding legal drama.
Their attorney, Peter Crusco, maintains their innocence, stating that the couple looks forward to their day in court to clear their names. With a court appearance scheduled for January 25, the reality TV world and legal observers are left awaiting the resolution of this unexpected and troubling saga, as the once-glittering image of the Below Deck stars takes an unexpected and potentially damaging turn.