Pill Mill Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty in Drug Distribution Scheme
A promotional photo shows Christopher Viagrande on the steps of his Latham, New York practice. Viagrande, a nurse practitioner, pleaded guilty to illegally distributing controlled substances.
Viagrande is a 42-year-old nurse practitioner.
Viagrande admitted in court he gave out a total of 149 controlled substance prescriptions to five people without a legitimate medical purpose between May 2021 and January 2024, dates inclusive, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York. Additionally, Viagrande copped to issuing another 28 prescriptions to two people. Most of those were amphetamines.
Dangerous Amounts of Amphetamines
In the amphetamine case, Viagrande prescribed one individual “dangerous” amounts of amphetamines despite indications of abuse. And that individual was able to acquire amphetamines from Viagrande for someone else. Neither of them were Viagrande’s patients or under his medical care.
Decades in Prison Plus $1 Million in Fines
As a part of his plea agreement, Viagrande relinquished his DEA drug-issuing registration, which allowed him to prescribe controlled substances. Additionally, Viagrande faces up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $1 million. He also faces three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
Viagrande was arrested on Feb. 6, 2024, but he was released on bond two days later.
The US Attorney’s office called anyone who has any additional information about either Viagrande or his Latham-based practice, Crossroads Psychiatry NP, to contact the DEA’s office in Albany.
Still Practicing?
Interestingly, Viagrande is still listed as practicing and in good standing on the Psychology Today website.
In his biography on the website, it is claimed that he has “60 five-star reviews and 20 years of experience in the field of psychiatry”.
“Most of my clients come to me after attempting treatment either with another psychiatric provider or their primary care provider. When it comes to your mental health, there is a delicate balance between choosing the right medication for you and a personalized approach with therapy”, Viagrande said, according to his website.
Along with a 15-minute consultation, Viagrande offered his services at a $149-per-hour fee, claiming his top specialties were “anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression,” while under the “expertise,” part was listed addiction, autism, LGBTQ+, weight loss, relationship issues, medication management, trauma and PTSD, along others.
Plea Agreement
In Viagrande’s signed agreement, he pled guilty to illegally prescribing vast amounts of amphetamines and clonazepam.
Due to the severity of the charges, he faces two decades in prison if the judge gives him the max.
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