A man from Irondequoit faces serious federal charges after allegedly impersonating a physician to illegally distribute prescription drugs. Prosecutors say he issued dozens of fake prescriptions, even though he has no license or medical training.
On May 22 the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced the arrest of Kevin M. Whitman, 27. He faces charges of drug distribution, obtaining controlled substances by fraud, and using a stolen DEA registration number.
Fake credentials, real drugs
Between August 2023 and April 2025, Whitman claimed to be a licensed doctor. He used a DEA number from Strong Memorial Hospital to write 177 prescriptions for nine individuals. In total, he distributed over 38,000 doses of controlled substances, mostly oxycodone.
Investigators later discovered that Whitman never worked at Strong Memorial. He also never attended medical school or held any license to practice. In fact, during a search of his home, officers found a fake medical diploma from the University of Rochester.
Multiple agencies respond
This case was part of a multi-agency effort. The investigation involved:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)
- New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
Other partners included the University of Rochester Department of Public Safety, New York State Police, and the Brighton Police Department.
Court appearance and next steps
Whitman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. The court released him on conditions while the case proceeds.
Prosecutors remind the public that charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted, Whitman faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
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