Below Deck Doctor Arrested, Who is Francis Martinis?
by Sangamithra
Updated Dec 16, 2023
Below Deck Doctor Arrested
A doctor and his wife, featured on the Bravo reality series "Below Deck," face charges in New York for an alleged fake opioid prescription scheme. Urologist Francis Martinis and Jessica Martinis were arraigned in December on charges of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance and falsifying business records. The couple, who appeared on "Below Deck Mediterranean" and "Below Deck Sailing Yacht," pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors claim Francis, 55, sent oxycodone prescriptions to pharmacies using the names of Below Deck cast members, while Jessica, 38, picked up the drugs and paid in cash. The charges emerged after Jessica tried to fill a prescription in someone else's name in January 2023, raising suspicions. The investigation found multiple fake prescriptions written by Francis, none intended for the named individuals.
The arrests highlight concerns over a doctor's involvement in illicit drug diversion. The couple's attorney, Peter Crusco, called the charges baseless, emphasizing their innocence. The case will proceed to court, where the Martinises aim to clear their names, denying any wrongdoing in this unusual and troubling episode connected to the world of reality TV.
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Who is Francis Martinis?
Dr. Francis Martinis, featured on Below Deck Mediterranean, is at the center of a scandal involving counterfeit prescriptions. Alongside his wife Jessica, the Long Island urologist is accused of impersonating Below Deck cast members to illegally obtain prescription painkillers. The couple, who appeared on both Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht, allegedly ran a scheme where Francis wrote fake prescriptions for various cast members, and Jessica filled them at pharmacies.
After nearly a year of investigation, the couple is now facing legal consequences. The charges against them are not explicitly mentioned, but they are being held responsible for their actions, which involved using the identities of Below Deck cast members. The scandal highlights unexpected controversies beyond the show's regular challenges.
Who is Jessica Martinis?
Jessica Martinis, the wife of Dr. Francis Martinis, has gained attention due to legal troubles surrounding their alleged involvement in a prescription pill scheme linked to the Below Deck cast. Married to the Long Island urologist, 38-year-old Jessica and Francis face accusations of impersonating Below Deck cast members to obtain oxycodone illegally.
While details about Jessica's role in the urology practices are not specified, reports suggest she attempted to fill fake oxycodone prescriptions, triggering an investigation into the couple. The president of Dr. Frank's urology practices stated that he had not seen patients for over a year.
Jessica, along with her husband, appeared on two seasons of Below Deck Sailing Yacht and Below Deck Mediterranean, facing backlash for their behavior on the shows. The couple, denying any wrongdoing, is set to return to court on January 25.
Below Deck
Below Deck is an American reality TV series that first aired on Bravo on July 1, 2013. The show, now in its 10th season, gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of the crew members living and working on a luxurious superyacht during charter season. Each episode, running for about 42 minutes, captures the challenges and dynamics among the crew as they cater to the needs of high-profile guests.
Produced by companies like 51 Minds Entertainment and Endemol, the series has become a success, with 154 episodes to date. The executive producers include Mark Cronin, Courtland Cox, Nadine Rajabi, Lauren Simms, Rebecca Henning, James Bruce, and Elise Duran.
Below Deck has spawned several spin-offs, such as "Below Deck Mediterranean," "Below Deck Sailing Yacht," "Below Deck Down Under," and "Below Deck Adventure." The franchise offers viewers a diverse range of maritime experiences while showcasing the unique challenges faced by yacht crews in the world of luxury chartering.
Below Deck Where to Watch?
Below Deck can be watched on Netflix. The reality TV series, which premiered in 2013, offers a glimpse into the lives of crew members on a luxurious superyacht during charter season. It portrays the challenges and dynamics among the crew as they cater to the needs of high-profile guests.
The show has 10 seasons and several spin-offs like "Below Deck Mediterranean" and "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." Produced by companies such as 51 Minds Entertainment and Endemol, it is executive produced by Mark Cronin, Courtland Cox, Nadine Rajabi, Lauren Simms, Rebecca Henning, James Bruce, and Elise Duran.
Below Deck Doctor Arrested - FAQs
The couple faces charges of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance and falsifying business records in connection to an alleged fake opioid prescription scheme.
The couple appeared on "Below Deck Mediterranean" and "Below Deck Sailing Yacht."
Dr. Francis is accused of transmitting fake oxycodone prescriptions to pharmacies using the names of "Below Deck" cast members.
"Below Deck" can be watched on Netflix.
"Below Deck" premiered on Bravo on July 1, 2013.