NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A doctor and his wife who were on the reality show, “Below Deck,” will appear in court on Thursday for allegedly using the identities of other cast members to illegally prescribe oxycodone.
Francis Martinez, a urologist known for his appearances on the Bravo reality show and his wife, Jessica Martinez, are facing allegations involving prescription drugs, according to NBC New York.
Jessica visited a pharmacy in Kings Park, Long Island in January and tried to fill a hand-written oxycodone prescription which felt suspicious to the pharmacists who reported it to the police.
Investigations found that over a two-year period, Martinez sent numerous oxycodone prescriptions to pharmacies across Suffolk County.
Many of these prescriptions, officials stated, were fraudulent, written under the names of two cast members from "Below Deck."
Jessica is alleged to have picked up these prescriptions, paying in cash.
The couple was arrested in May. They face eight counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and falsifying business records.
Whether they used the drugs for personal use or resale remains undisclosed by investigators.
“He abused the celebrity position that he had on that ship to take the identities of his crew members — if that is proven — and then use that to buy drugs, that is a common scheme for a common criminal,” Former New York Homeland Security Director Michael Balboni told NBC New York.
Balboni emphasized the gravity of these allegations amidst the ongoing national addiction and overdose crisis. "If proven, this abuse of celebrity status for illegal drug acquisition represents a common scheme for criminals," said Balboni.
The couple, who chartered the luxury yacht Sirocco on the French Riviera for "Below Deck Mediterranean" in 2019, appeared again in the franchise's spin-off, "Below Deck Sailing Yacht," in 2020.They also attended promotional events with other crew members.
Neither the couple nor their attorney responded to NBC New York's requests for comment. Bravo, the show's network, also remained silent on the matter.
Martinez operates a urology practice in Fort Salonga.
He and his wife are scheduled to appear in court onThursday.