Prosecutors: Latham nurse practitioner prescribed drugs without seeing patient

By WNYT

A Latham nurse practitioner is accused of prescribing drugs to someone who was never his patient.

Christopher Viagrande, 41, allegedly distributed controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate purpose, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office said.

Viagrande prescribed a type of amphetamine on 40 occasions to this person from May 2021 to December 2023, prosecutors said.

Viagrande was arrested on Tuesday and released on conditions.

If convicted, Viagrande faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $3 million.

The DEA Albany District Office is asking anyone who wishes to report information about Viagrande or his Latham-based practice, Crossroads Psychiatry NP, to contact them at 518-782-2000.