Needham doctor, nurse charged with distributing drugs

BOSTON -- A doctor and nurse practitioner have been charged with giving out prescription drugs that led to the death of several patients.

Joseph Zolot, along and his nurse practitioner, are accused of handing out prescriptions that led to the overdose and death of six patients dating back to 2004.

Zolot used to practice medicine in Needham.

Officials say Zolot and his nurse "…provided the prescriptions to individuals for their own financial gain."

Those powerful prescription drugs include oxycodone and methadone.

Investigators also say the two would hand out the drugs to patients that were known to be "…abusing, misusing, or distributing controlled substances."

That’s something Zolot’s attorney denies.

“Doctor Zolot very much maintains his innocence. We believe in his innocence. I know there are many in the Boston community that are extraordinarily supportive of him, both within and without the medical profession, and he looks forward to dealing with these charges in court,” said Howard Cooper, Zolot’s attorney.

But investigators say "on a number of occasions, the prescriptions issued…resulted in addiction, deteriorated health, overdose, and death."

The attorney for Zolot's former nurse says her client was not involved.

“Ms. Pliner is a licensed registered nurse,” said Laura Angelina, Pliner’s attorney. “She has an impeccable record of service to her patients. She will be pleading not guilty to all charges and she looks forward to vindicating her rights in front of a jury.”

Both remain in federal custody on Thursday night and will be back in court on Friday. If they are convicted on those counts they could both face life in prison.

The investigation has been ongoing since 2007.

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