Paterson Doctor Sentenced to Over 7 Years for Illegally Prescribing Opioids

Lisa Ferraro issued prescriptions for tens of thousands of oxycodone pills without medical justification, fueling opioid misuse across communities.

A Paterson-based physician has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for her role in a conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, a powerful and highly addictive opioid. Lisa Ferraro, 67, of Hillsdale, New Jersey, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court and will also serve three years of supervised release following her prison term.

Ferraro pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to distribute oxycodone outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the sentence on January 23, 2026, emphasizing the gravity of Ferraro’s actions in contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.

According to federal prosecutors, Ferraro practiced internal medicine in Paterson until her arrest in October 2023. From January 2019 through September 2023, she conspired to issue prescriptions for large quantities of oxycodone—specifically 30mg pills—to individuals posing as patients. These individuals were not subjected to any medical examinations or assessments to determine a legitimate need for the medication.

Court documents indicate that Ferraro wrote prescriptions for tens of thousands of oxycodone pills during the scheme, ignoring the standards of professional medical practice and facilitating widespread opioid misuse.

“Physicians are entrusted with extraordinary power over the lives and health of their patients. When a physician abandons that duty and instead fuels opioid addiction for profit, the damage ripples far beyond a single exam room and into entire communities. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that breach of trust and sends a clear message: medical licenses are not shields for criminal conduct, and doctors who help drive the opioid epidemic will be held accountable.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

Ferraro’s conviction comes amid ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to combat the opioid epidemic by targeting the unlawful distribution of prescription narcotics. Her case underscores the role that unethical medical providers can play in exacerbating addiction and overdose risks in local communities.