On Long Island, New York, George Blatti, a 78-year-old former general practitioner, was sentenced to a prison term of five to 15 years on Monday, January 22, 2024, for his role in the opioid overdose deaths of five patients.
Blatti, who started his medical practice in 1976, faced charges for overprescribing opioids, resulting in the deaths of Robert Mielinis, 55; Sean Quigley, 31; Geraldine Sabatasso, 50; Diane Woodring, 53; and Michael Kinzer, 44. The dates of their deaths occurred between March 2016 and September 2018.
In addition to these fatalities, Blatti was indicted on 11 counts of reckless endangerment, which included six patients who survived his dangerous prescribing practices.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly stated that Blatti prescribed vast quantities of hazardous drugs to patients exhibiting clear signs of addiction and other health crises.
Despite his lack of specialized training in pain management, Blatti engaged in extensive and irresponsible prescription practices, often without proper patient interaction or medical examinations.
Operating from unconventional locations, Blatti initially used a makeshift office in a former Radio Shack store in Franklin Square, still adorned with the store’s signage and merchandise.
After losing this space, he continued his practice from his car, dispensing prescriptions without medical examinations in the parking lots of a Rockville Centre hotel, where he resided, and a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts.
Prosecutors revealed that Blatti issued paper prescriptions under a waiver from the New York State Health Commissioner. This waiver allowed him to circumvent the state’s secure electronic prescription system, which is designed to provide greater oversight. In one instance, he prescribed over 4,000 pills in six months for Geraldine Sabatasso following her neck surgery. She died from acute oxycodone intoxication on March 22, 2016.
Michael Kinzer was prescribed more than 1,000 pills in under six months. Sean Quigley, who had struggled with opioid abuse since at least 2008, was given a prescription for 180 oxycodone pills on November 21, 2017. He passed away from acute intoxication of oxycodone and oxymorphone on December 2, 2017.
The investigation into Blatti’s prescription practices began in August 2018 after several opioid overdoses were linked to his prescriptions. This investigation led to his voluntary surrender of his medical license to New York state on June 24, 2019.
During his sentencing, the victims’ families voiced their anguish and anger. Sandra Kinzer, the sister of victim Michael Kinzer, condemned Blatti, calling him “a piece of garbage” and challenging his status as a doctor. The presiding judge echoed these sentiments, labeling Blatti a disgrace to the medical profession.
Reflecting on the case, Distract Attorney Donnelly emphasized the sacred responsibility and ethical oath that doctors hold to do no harm.
She lamented, “George Blatti failed to honor this oath, betraying his patients and causing unimaginable suffering to their families.”
Donnelly stressed that Blatti’s sentencing sends a powerful message within the medical community, particularly amid the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic on Long Island.