CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) - A Long Island physician has been arrested by federal drug agents on charges of illegally distributing thousands of painkillers.
Prosecutors say Dr. Michael Randall surrendered Wednesday.
He is due for an initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate later Wednesday. Defense attorney Glenn Obedin said his client is shocked by the allegations and would fight the charges.
A criminal complaint says Randall illegally distributed pain pills to people who had no legitimate medical need.
Prosecutors say Randall operates Middle Country Family Medical practice in Centereach.
A federal probe of painkiller abuse has led to charges against 15 New York health care professionals since 2012.
The crackdown started in the aftermath of a June 2011 Long Island pharmacy robbery.
Two customers and two employees were killed by a man addicted to painkillers.
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