Physician Arraigned on Fraud and Larceny Charges

Woburn—A licensed physician, with a specialty in pediatrics, has been arraigned on charges of writing fraudulent narcotic prescriptions for a person who was not his patient who then filled them and gave him the drugs, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan informed the public today.
 
Nicholas Pacella, 50, of Medway, was arraigned in Woburn Superior Court on charges of preparing a false insurance claim (2 counts) and larceny under $250.  Middlesex Superior Court Assistant Clerk Magistrate Matthew Day released the defendant on personal recognizance with the conditions that he refrain from prescribing narcotics in his practice and that he submit to drug testing 2 times per week.
 
His next court date is July 12 for a pre-trial hearing.
 
"We allege that this defendant manipulated the health insurance system for his own personal gain," District Attorney Ryan said.   "Fraud and abuse in the system cost everyone money.  We commend the Insurance Fraud Bureau for their work in pursuing this matter and thank them for their collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office."
 
According to authorities, in Spring 2011 the Insurance Fraud Bureau first became aware of the alleged activities of the defendant.  Thereafter, the Bureau notified the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and together they launched an investigation.
 
Authorities allege that they learned that between June 2007 and June 2008, the defendant had written 7 prescriptions for oxycodone for a woman who was not a patient at the defendant’s pediatric practice.  The woman filled the prescriptions through her private health insurance, the defendant paid the co-pay, and they shared the drugs.  The insurance company paid an amount of money for those prescriptions which were written out and filled for an illegitimate purpose.
 
These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
 
The investigation was conducted by the Insurance Fraud Bureau and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
 
The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Casey Silvia.