ELMWOOD PARK — A pain management doctor has admitted to his part in a plan to illegally purchase and sell cancer drugs to net himself over $130,000.

Jon Paul Dadaian, 53, pleaded guilty Monday to unlawfully selling prescription cancer medication.

Federal prosecutors said Dadaian, a board-certified anesthesiologist, had the prescription drugs delivered to his practice in Elmwood Park.

The brands of medications Dadaian purchased included Herceptin and Rituxan, according to a criminal complaint. Both are FDA-approved and intended for cancer treatment.

Dr. Jon Paul Dadaian's practice on Mola Boulevard in Elmwood Park. (Google Maps)
(Google Maps)
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Herceptin and Rituxan are also cold-chain biologic infusion medications. Manufacturers are selective and "tightly control" which distributors can receive these drugs, prosecutors explained. Improper storage would cause them to quickly degrade and decrease in effectiveness without visibly changing appearance.

In 2012, the doctor from New York met two people who ran a pair of businesses that were wholesale distributors of prescription drugs. Federal prosecutors did not name the two other people involved.

Authorities said the wholesale distributors were not authorized to obtain and sell the two medications. Instead, they used Dadaian's medical license and bank account to purchase the cancer drugs.

Using this illegal workaround also allowed the wholesale distributors to get the drugs at a discount.

After the pharmaceuticals were delivered to Dadaian's Elmwood Park office, he resold them to the distributors. Dadaian made $130,500 over six years, prosecutors said.

As part of his plea agreement, Dadaian must pay back full restitution. He could also face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. His sentencing is set for September.

Rick Rickman is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at richard.rickman@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked

A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.

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