HV Dentist Sentenced For Fraudulently Writing Oxy Prescriptions

STONE RIDGE, NY — A Woodstock dentist received her sentence Thursday for fraudulently writing prescriptions for oxycodone for herself.

Vivian Letizia, 64, of Stone Ridge, was sentenced to one year of probation for acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception or subterfuge, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York.

She was also ordered to undergo drug treatment and pay a $5,000 fine.

Letizia has also paid the United States $100,000 to resolve her civil liability for the same conduct, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Letizia was a dentist in Woodstock and was authorized to prescribe controlled substances.

She admitted that on several occasions in 2019 and 2020 she sent electronic prescriptions for oxycodone to various pharmacies in her patients' names.

The prescriptions were not intended for her patients, however. Letizia picked up the oxycodone and consumed it herself.

She also ordered oxycodone for her dental practice for her own use.

As part of resolving this case, Letizia surrendered her Drug Enforcement Administration registration and is prohibited from re-applying for a new one.

She also agreed to surrender her New York State medical license.