Shelton Doctor Admits Illegally Prescribing Controlled Substances

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CIANCIMINO, 62, of Trumbull, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams to a controlled substance offense related to his illegal distribution of prescription medication.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ciancimino was a sole practitioner practicing psychiatry and neurology/psychiatry from an office located at 4 Corporate Drive in Shelton.  In October 2020, law enforcement began investigating Ciancimino’s prescribing practices of various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall.  During the investigation, federal task force officers acting in an undercover capacity paid Ciancimino $200 during visits to receive a prescriptions for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination.

Ciancimino pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment 20 years.

As part of his plea, Ciancimino has agreed to forfeit $175,773.45.

Ciancimino is released on  a $500,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

As disclosed during today’s court proceedings, Ciancimino surrendered his medical license last week.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division and the Middlebury Police Department.  The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad includes personnel from the DEA and the Bristol, East Windsor, Glastonbury, Hamden, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Watertown and West Haven Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.