Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty to 17 Felony Counts in Illegal Prescription Scheme

June 25, 2026

New Jersey psychiatrist Louis Morelli has admitted to 17 felony counts for unlawfully prescribing controlled substances, including Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax, to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Federal prosecutors say the prescriptions were written for sexual partners, known drug users, and others, while pharmacies and insurers were misled into believing the prescriptions were valid.

According to court admissions, some prescriptions were exchanged for sexual activity, explicit images, or videos. Prosecutors also said the psychiatrist continued prescribing highly addictive drugs despite repeated warnings from family members and law enforcement that certain patients were overdosing, abusing the medications, or diverting them for illegal resale. At least one unlawful prescription was linked to a death or serious bodily injury.

Morelli has agreed to surrender his DEA registration and medical licenses. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 51 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 27, 2026. Federal authorities said the case underscores their commitment to prosecuting medical professionals who abuse their prescribing authority and endanger public safety.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, June 24, 2026.