Search Results for: Consumer Fraud Act
State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution
State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution
Trenton, NJ – The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Robert Delagente, a Bergen County family practitioner. Delagente is currently serving a six-year federal prison sentence for illegally distributing prescription medications.
The Board’s decision follows allegations of gross negligence and professional misconduct. Delagente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances and obstruction of justice.
Delagente operated North Jersey Family Medicine in Oakland. He has been out of practice since June 2019 when a temporary suspension was initiated after his arrest.
Federal agents charged Delagente for unlawful prescribing practices, as he prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines without legitimate medical purposes. This included drugs such as oxycodone and alprazolam.
Delagente falsified medical records to cover his actions. A joint investigation by the FBI and the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor revealed he submitted over $32,000 in false claims to an insurance company.
The revocation of his medical license means he cannot reapply for future licensure in New Jersey. His CDS registration was similarly revoked.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that Delagente’s actions betrayed his professional oath and contributed to the opioid addiction crisis. Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, emphasized the need for accountability in the medical profession.
Patients who suspect inappropriate treatment can file complaints online.
AG settles with online retailer over misleading membership fees
AG settles with online retailer over misleading membership fees
TRENTON, NJ
A settlement has been reached with TFG Holding, Inc., addressing deceptive practices in its VIP Membership Program. The multistate coalition secured a $1 million settlement aimed at rectifying misleading membership charges imposed on consumers.
Seventy-six New Jersey consumers are expected to receive an average refund of $2,463. The settlement stems from claims that TFG Holding marketed its membership program misleadingly and complicated the cancellation process for consumers.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that the company prioritized profits over transparency. He emphasized the need for consumers to trust the deals they receive in the marketplace.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, reinforced consumers’ rights to be fully informed about their purchasing commitments. TFG Holding offered discounts to consumers who enrolled in its VIP Membership Program, which carried a monthly fee of $49.95 unless specific actions were taken by the 6th of each month.
This practice resulted in some consumers incurring hundreds to thousands of dollars in membership fees. Those who enrolled before May 31, 2016, and only made an initial purchase without further engagement will automatically receive refunds.
The settlement outlines multiple violations of state consumer protection laws, including misleading pricing and unauthorized enrollment in membership programs. TFG Holding will now be required to comply with various legal mandates, including transparent disclosure of membership terms and obtaining explicit consent for enrollment.
The Attorney General’s office intends to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that deceptive practices are addressed. TFG Holding will also face restrictions against using tactics that create false urgency in sales.
As part of this agreement, the company must create an online cancellation mechanism for its VIP Membership Program and address consumer refund requests promptly.
The settlement negotiations included participation from several states in addition to New Jersey, including Texas, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Deputy Attorney General Amanda McElfresh led the efforts on behalf of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section.
