West Harrison Man to Serve 2 Years For Illegal Sale of Prescription Drugs

A West Harrison man will serve two years in prison after pleading guilty to three charges stemming from his involvement in a prescription drug operation that authorities say shipped stolen drugs across state lines.

Scott Burko, 47, of West Harrison, pleaded guilty to three charges on November 30, 2010. Authorities believe Burko participated in the conspiracy from 2003 to March 2006. During that time they say he falsified records to steal prescription drugs while working as a pharmacist for a company that operates in Westchester, Orange and Putnam Counties.

Authorities believe Burko illegally dispensed Prednisone, a prescription steroid, on 163 different occasions from April 8, 2005 to March 31, 2006. They say he made it appear that he was filling prescriptions doctors had called in over the phone and used a co-conspirator who picked up the drugs from the pharmacies.

The drugs were then held for sale, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's office.

United States District Judge Kenneth Karas sentenced Burko on Monday, ordering him to serve three years supervised release once his two-year sentence is up. Burko will also pay $400,000 in restitution.

Karas cited Burko's "brazen and longstanding criminal conduct" during sentencing. Adding that there is a need to set an example to keep others from committing similar crimes, according to the press release.

The was served on April 5, 2010 and included 82 federal counts. Burko could have faced up to 5 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to the original idictment.