Clifton Park psychiatrist charged with unlawful drug distribution

ALBANY, N.Y. >> A Clifton Park psychiatrist was arrested and charged with distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.

Scott McMahon, 50, practiced in Clifton Park, having previously maintained offices in Albany and other locations within the Capital Region.

According to a criminal complaint McMahon prescribed controlled substances including Ritalin and its generic equivalents often with the intent of having his patients kick back a portion of each prescription to him for his own personal use.

The complaint alleges that McMahon prescribed controlled substances to people who were never his patients, including three young children of one patient, and the boyfriend of another patient.

The activity alleged in the complaint occurred between December 2018 and April 2019.

McMahon appeared in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who ordered him detained pending a detention hearing.

If convicted, McMahon faces up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $1 million fine.

This case is being investigated by the DEA Albany District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

Also assisting in the investigation are the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the DEA Resident Office in Burlington, Vermont.