New York law enforcement is known to crack down on prescription drug fraud. A conviction for a drug offense is likely to carry severe penalties, including years in prison.

A Long Island dentist was accused of giving out illegal prescriptions to women in exchange for sex acts. He pleaded not guilty to a 28-count indictment against him for the distribution of controlled substances.

Dr. Barry Arnold, 70, was charged with writing illegal prescriptions for oxycodone, Xanax and Percocet. His arraignment took place at the U.S. District Court in Central Islip, New York.

From October 2016 and August 2020, Arnold allegedly prescribed the medications to 28 women in exchange for sex. The sex acts took place after office hours at his dental practice in Valley Stream, former office in Lynbrook and Williston Park home.

Court documents claimed the dentist did not have any legitimate medical reasons for writing the prescriptions as none of the women were his patients. Additionally, some of them had severe drug addictions.

Arnold faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He was released on a $200,000 bond following his arraignment. The conditions of his release include home detention, electronic monitoring and surrender of his DEA registration for writing controlled substance prescriptions.

Officials said Arnold was still allowed to practice as a dentist and administer Novocain to his patients. However, he was barred from administrating nitrous oxide and carrying out oral surgery.

If you are a medical professional accused of prescription drug fraud in New York, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Brill Legal Group provides quality legal representation to anyone charged with prescription drug-related offenses. With an aggressive defense, you can avoid having a conviction on your record and the harsh consequences that come with drug charges.