MALVERNE, NY – In a devastating case that sent shockwaves through the medical community, Malverne based Dr. George Blatti has been sentenced to five to fifteen years in prison for overprescribing pain pills, directly contributing to the deaths of five individuals. The courtroom was filled with grief-stricken family members who struggled to hold back tears as they faced the reality of their loved ones’ untimely demise.
Valerie Kinzer, whose husband Michael was one of Blatti’s victims, expressed the profound emotional impact of losing a partner and raising two children without their father. It was a day filled with heartbreak and anguish for everyone involved.
According to prosecutors, Blatti acted recklessly, disregarding the well-being and safety of his patients by prescribing excessive amounts of pain medication. This gross negligence ultimately led to the untimely deaths of those who sought his medical assistance.
Blatti, who was initially charged with murder in 2019, is believed to be the first doctor in New York to face such charges under the theory of depraved indifference to human life. However, the charges were later reduced to manslaughter.
The shocking revelations of Blatti’s practices were revealed during the trial. He operated out of an abandoned storefront, even writing prescriptions from his car. This unorthodox approach to his medical practice raised numerous red flags, but unfortunately, they went unnoticed until it was too late.
Prosecutors stated that the patients, who tragically passed away within days of their appointments, fell victim to Blatti’s manipulation and exploitation. He not only fueled their addictions by prescribing excessive amounts of drugs but also callously ignored pleas from family members to cease his dangerous practices.
During the sentencing, family members delivered powerful victim impact statements, urging the judge to impose the maximum penalty of fifteen years. They emphasized that while Blatti may have a chance at redemption, their loved ones will never have such an opportunity.
In a striking display of disrespect, Blatti failed to apologize to the grieving families during the court proceedings. The judge, addressing him as “mister” rather than “doctor,” made it clear that he held no respect for a man who had so callously betrayed his oath and caused irreparable harm.
Blatti’s attorney, Jeff Groder, described the case as a tragedy of unfathomable proportions. He acknowledged his client’s guilt and expressed that pleading guilty was the only appropriate course of action, ensuring that Blatti would face the consequences for his actions.
Dr. George Blatti, MD was a family medicine specialist in Malverne, NY with over 49 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 1974. According to HealthGrades, he was previously affiliated with Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Blatti will be eligible for parole in five years.
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