Esposito's Attorney: My Client Says He's Innocent

The attorney for Madison Councilman Vincent Esposito, accused of selling fraudulent prescriptions to undercover agents, said Tuesday his client adamantly denies the charges.

Morristown-based defense attorney Peter Gilbreth said he's not ready to make an official statement, but said Esposito is adamant he is innocent.

Gilbreth expects to soon meet with the Deputy Attorney General Mark Eliades to discuss the case. Gilbreth would not say what the defense would be.

Esposito, 54, a general practioner with an office on Main Street, was arrested Thursday on second-degree charges of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy.

Esposito's future on the borough council remains uncertain. According to Patch's unscientific poll, nearly 80 percent of those who participated feel he should step down.

Council President Jeannie Tsukamoto said Tuesday she could not comment on the case and referred calls to Borough Attorney Joe Mezzacca.

Madison Police have referred all questions to the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, which has not returned calls seeking comment.

Superintendent Michael Rossi was also expected this week to consider Esposito's future as the district's physician, a position he's held for about five years and he has also been the football team's doctor for nearly 20 years.

Rossi did not return calls seeking information about under what school board rules or bylaws the board has the authority to review Esposito’s employment as the football team doctor and district physician or whether the board plans to place the issue on an agenda for discussion.

Esposito has surrendered his federal registration to write prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances.

The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the state Board of Medical Examiners, did not return calls seeking information about what criteria it uses to determine whether to review a license, or what actions by a doctors might trigger a review.

—Jamie Duffy and Mike Daigle contributed to this report.