August 06, 2026
Merrily Cassidy/USA Today via Reuters Connect
Larry Pettis signed prescriptions for controlled substances like Oxycodone so that his medical assistant, who was not authorized to dispense that medication, could do so when he was out of office, court documents say.
New Jersey's medical board has revoked the license of a Gloucester County physician who illegally dispensed opioids to patients.
Larry Pettis, a pain management specialist in Williamstown, pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of controlled substances following his arrest in December 2024. Court documents alleged that Pettis, the owner of a medical practice with multiple locations in South Jersey, issued prescriptions for Oxycodone and other addictive medications without assessing his patients and altered some of their medical records.
He also signed prescriptions so that his medical assistant, who was not authorized to prescribe controlled substances, could dispense medications when he was out of the office, court documents said.
The indictment detailed the case of a specific patient, who received a prescription for controlled substances without a physical exam or any discussion with Pettis about risks or the treatment plan. Though the patient's drug test results "raised red flags for substance abuse and drug diversion," the patient still obtained the prescription.
"New Jersey's strict prescribing rules have helped us turn the tide on the opioid epidemic in our state, but this physician repeatedly disregarded those safeguards and violated the standards expected of every medical professional," Christopher L. Peterson, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said in a statement. "By removing this dangerous prescriber from practice, we're enhancing public safety and gaining critical traction in our fight to end the addiction crisis."
Pettis voluntarily surrendered his medical license in January 2025, but the latest court order makes the revocation permanent. His registration to prescribe controlled substances in New Jersey also has been revoked.
Pettis is further barred from contacting patients or entering his offices during business hours when they might be present. In the future, he cannot supervise or influence the practice of medicine or health care activities, including by acting as a consultant or expert witness. He must also divest from his medical practices.
His sentencing is set for Oct. 26.
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