Rochester Doctor Sentenced for Illegal Drug Trafficking

   BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul announced today that John E. Maye, 59, of Rochester, N.Y., who was convicted following a federal jury trial of unlawful distribution and dispensing of a controlled substance, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimintel, who handled the case, stated that between 2004 and 2006, the defendant, a licensed physician, authorized nearly 10,000 prescriptions for medications such as Hydrocodone, Xanax, Loritab, Vicodin, Valium, and Ambien. Maye issued the prescriptions over the internet without ever seeing the estimated 12,000 patients. Evidence presented by the Government at trial showed that the defendant grossed $1,100,000 through this activity.

“This doctor took an oath to ‘first, do no harm,’” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Instead of complying with this promise, Maye used his medical practice as a front to become one of the largest drug dealers this area has seen.  Coming at a time when the abuse of opiate-based pills has become a national epidemic, the efforts of the DEA and FDA in investigating this case, and the jury’s actions in convicting this defendant, must all be commended.  And while all of us must continue to attack the perplexing opiod/heroin problem with demand-side programs, this case demonstrates that law enforcement can and will act forcefully with respect to those who supply the drugs – including doctors.”

“DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, "One of DEA’s top priorities is to identify those who facilitate opioid abuse throughout our towns, counties, states and nation and this conviction earmarks law enforcement’s goal.  Throughout the past two years, DEA investigations that focused on the diversion of controlled substance pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals have soared resulting in a 213% increase in arrests. The arrest and conviction of Dr. Maye signifies how drug law enforcement has adapted traditional drug investigation techniques to allow for the identification of prescription drug trafficking organization’s sources of supply, such as Dr. Maye, and successfully bring them to justice.”

“The defendant in this case demonstrated blatant disregard for the health and welfare of the general public by illegally distributing controlled prescription drugs via the internet," said Mark Dragonetti, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. "We commend the US Attorney's office and our law enforcement partners for their dedicated and collaborative efforts in pursuing this prosecution."

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Mark Dragonetti, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.