Physician Practice

Cardiologist faces charges after plots against competing physician discovered

Physician Practice Insider, April 21, 2015

A cardiologist practicing on Long Island, New York, has been arrested and charged with conspiracy and arson after a four-month investigation by undercover law enforcement officers revealed escalating schemes to damage another cardiologist’s practice and, ultimately, his life, according to the Associated Press.

Anthony J. Moschetto, MD, who practices in the Great Neck area of Long Island, was initially investigated for a relatively routine matter regarding the sale of prescription narcotics. However, the situation “revealed itself to be an even graver and more complex case with very serious allegations involving arson, assault weapons and even a murder plot,” Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas told the Associated Press.

Moschetto allegedly paid two individuals to set fire to the office of the victim, identified as Martin Handler, MD, a former partner of Moschetto, according to the Associated Press. When the fire yielded little damage, Moschetto “was willing to pay $5,000 to have him beaten and put in the hospital for a couple of months and pay $20,000 to have him killed,” Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Anne Donnelly said of Moschetto’s intentions. “He wanted to put him out of business so he could get his business.”

Moschetto allegedly paid an undercover police officer to carry out the murder and was captured on video discussing the plot. Law enforcement then searched his home and found a collection of approximately 100 dangerous weapons hidden in a secret room, which included guns, knives, and a hand grenade, according to CNN.

Arraigned in court on April 15, Moschetto was subsequently released on a $2 million bond. Protection orders were ordered for the victim and his wife. An attorney for Moschetto states that his client is innocent and just wants to get back to treating his patients, according to CNN.

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