HARRISBURG, PA — A western Pennsylvania podiatrist pleaded guilty to opioid overprescribing, unauthorized access of patient prescription records, and assault charges tied to treatment of patients in Armstrong and Butler counties, marking the latest criminal case tied to prescription drug oversight in Pennsylvania’s healthcare system.
Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that Dr. Matthew Sabo, 52, entered guilty pleas Wednesday to violations of the Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, unlawful access of the state’s ABC-MAP prescription monitoring system, and simple assault.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Sabo continued accessing Pennsylvania’s prescription drug monitoring database after his credentials were suspended in July 2022 and prescribed high levels of opioids to patients over extended periods.
An Armstrong County judge sentenced Sabo to one to two years of incarceration, with permission to serve the sentence on house arrest, followed by six years of probation.
Prosecutors alleged that several female patients became dependent on opioid prescriptions issued by Sabo and testified before a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury that he inappropriately touched them during treatment.
Some witnesses told investigators they feared losing access to prescriptions if they reported or resisted Sabo’s conduct, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
“This doctor had an obligation to provide sound medical care and treatment to his patients, and instead abused his authority for his own selfish reasons,” Sunday stated. “This type of conduct leaves a stain on the entire medical profession and the many doctors and healthcare providers who act every day in the best interests of their patients.”
Victims addressed the court during sentencing proceedings.
“Prior to seeing Dr. Sabo, I had never taken a pain pill. After seeing him, I was addicted,” one victim stated, according to prosecutors.
Another victim told the court, “What kind of Dr does this? What kind of Dr puts his patients in harm’s way?”
Investigators also determined Sabo accessed the state prescription monitoring system for nearly a dozen individuals after his authorization had been suspended, the Attorney General’s Office stated.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Cotter.
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