Connecticut Psychiatrist David Ciancimino Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges

January 25, 2022

A 62-year-old former doctor, who had a practice in Shelton, CT, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Monday "to a controlled substance offense related to his illegal distribution of prescription medication," announced U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle.

David Ciancimino, who lives in Trumbull, pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice.

For the offense, Ciancimino faces a possible maximum prison term of 20 years.

According to court documents and statements, 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 his prescribing practices, and undercover federal task force officers "paid Ciancimino $200 during visits to receive a prescriptions [sic] for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination," according to prosecutors.

The feds were investigating Ciancimino for giving out prescriptions for various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall.

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

Ciancimino is free on bond of $500,000, pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

As disclosed during Monday'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.

Source: Alfred Branch, “Shelton Doctor Pleads Guilty To Illegal Drug Distribution: Feds,” Patch.com (Shelton-Derby, CT), Jan. 24, 2022, URL: https://patch.com/connecticut/shelton/shelton-doctor-pleads-guilty-illegal-drug-distribution-feds