Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 70 Months for Unlawful Drug Distribution

 

Danielle Simonson, age 52, of Fort Ann, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, made the announcement.

In previously pleading guilty, Simonson admitted that from at least January 2020 through October 2022, she unlawfully prescribed controlled substances to a total of 54 patients.  Simonson issued hundreds of unlawful prescriptions, including for the opioids hydrocodone and oxycodone, benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam), and the stimulants amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) and methylphenidate.  For instance, Simonson admitted that she issued a total of 63 oxycodone prescriptions to two residents of Suffolk County, New York, without treating either of them for a medical condition. The Suffolk County residents usually paid Simonson by mailing her packages of cash concealed within DVD cases.

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a $10,000 fine and ordered Simonson to serve a 2-year term of supervised release following her term of imprisonment. Simonson has already surrendered her nurse practitioner and nursing licenses to the State of New York and surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).

In a separate civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Simonson admitted that she improperly prescribed controlled substances to 105 patients (including the 54 listed in her criminal plea agreement), often without ever examining patients and maintaining medical records justifying her decision to prescribe controlled substances. Simonson paid $200,000 to settle claims that the United States could have brought against her pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.

The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the criminal case, with assistance from the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. 

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(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Implementation of Commercial Waste Containerization Governor Hochul Implement Cannabis Enforcement Hochul Announces the Federal Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship "Good Guy Guarantee" Ruling MTA Announces Tremont Avenue Station is fully ADA-Compliant Upcoming Events The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 3.3rd - 5th 2024 -10:00am to 5:00 pm Ladies First: Women's History Month Event 3.6.2024 Irish Heritage Month Celebration 3.14.2024 Women of Distinction - 3.22.2024 11:30am - 2:00pm Workforce Career Developing Skills for Success To Shape Future Careers - 4.9.2024 Event Highlight

COMMERCIAL CONTAINERIZATION FINAL RULES AND REGULATIONS GO INTO EFFECT TODAY

Starting today, March 1, 2024, ALL businesses in NYC must use bins with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. This applies to all businesses that set out waste on the curb. This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock. As part of our commitment to keeping our streets clean, we implemented new rules to reduce the number of black bags that line city streets. DSNY began the process in April 2023, when they changed the waste setout times for residents and businesses — reducing the time trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks. For more information on containerization, Click Here

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES STEPS TO SHUT DOWN ILLEGAL CANNABIS STOREFRONTS

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MTA ANNOUNCES TREMONT AVE B & D STATION IN THE BRONX NOW FULLY ACCESSIBLE

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NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.

M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below)   Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City   Business has been in operation for at least one year   Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned

JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BRONX Seeking a candidate to work alongside Owner and Broker of Commercial Real Estate Company to provide general administrative assistance. We are searching for an individual with an outgoing personality who is comfortable interacting with Landlords/Owners and potential clients. We are asking candidate to work out of the office 2 days per week (preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. UPCOMING EVENTS The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 March 3rd - 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Ave NY NY The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a once-a-year event that focuses on serving the food service industry in the Northeast. Vendors offer you the opportunity to see the best in the restaurant and food service industry, from the newest food trends to the best technology to fit your restaurant and everything in between. This is your opportunity to find the latest and greatest for your operation. This is a ticketed event, for pricing and more information, Click Here Reserve Your Spot A Celebration of Irish Heritage Thursday, March 14th, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Rambling House 4292 Katonah Avenue Bronx NY Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebrating the Bronx's Irish heritage. The evening features live music, networking, drink specials, Irish fare, and acknowledges the contributions of notable Irish Americans and their influence on Bronx business and economic development. Reserve Your Spot The Women of Distinction Luncheon 2024 March 22 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expwy Bronx NY For 19 years, the Women of Distinction Luncheon has recognized outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the Bronx community. Each year, with the support of local Bronx businesses and Bronx Chamber members, we are able to provide scholarships to deserving college-bound female students through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation.   Join us this year as we honor a new class of scholars and celebrate the strong women leaders of our community! Reserve Your Spot Workforce Career Developing Skills for Success To Shape Future Careers April 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm The Banknote Building 1231 Lafayette Avenue Bronx NY Level up your career and join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce & Assemblymember Amanda Septimo for a night of shill building for success. Learn practical interview tactics, resume-building tips, financial planning and support . Reserve Your Spot For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!