Judicial Diversion for Dr. Saji Francis?

In early February 2010, ADA Teresa Corrigan contacted Drug Free Massapequa (DFM) for help in showing community strength in fighting to oppose Dr. Francis, a local internist with an office in Massapequa, being granted judicial diversion for his drug related crimes. Together with a letter from Legislator Schmitt, volunteers worked feverishly to gather over 2000 letters and emails to send to ADA Corrigan demanding that judicial diversion be denied.
On Thursday, February 25, 2010, ADA Corrigan presented her arguments to Honorable Judge Jaeger in a Mineola court room to have judicial diversion denied. As an additional show of support, members of Drug Free Massapequa and the local community traveled to Mineola.
Upon entering the small courtroom an overwhelming feeling came as you looked at Judge Jaeger’s bench which displayed two flags, one Nassau County and the other the American flag, and just to the right a plaque that said “In God We Trust”, we needed that trust so justice would be served.
With the courtroom filled, Judge Jaeger announced the case of Dr. Saji Francis and turned the floor to ADA Teresa Corrigan who had overwhelming evidence against Dr. Francis’ claim of his own drug addiction. She argued the fact that police enforcement had tapes of 9 separate accounts of Dr. Francis selling prescriptions; he had $1200 in his pockets the day of arrest and sited his personal statement when arrested. ADA Corrigan continued her arguments stating that all his screens came back negative to any evidence or trace of drug use. She concluded with a plea to Judge Jaeger to find with the people and deny Judicial Diversion.
Dennis Lemke, Dr. Saji Francis’ third lawyer, was given the chance to repute. His opening statement was the fact granted at this time until he had the chance. He then went on to say how Dr. Francis voluntarily entered into a private clinic where he surrendered his license to practice and write scripts, so he would be of no harm to the Massapequa community. He urged Judge Jaeger to find with the defendant who had admittedly taken drugs and considered himself to be addicted to be given Judicial Diversion.
Judge Jaeger was then ready to announce his verdict. While quoting the findings of the review board he said several times that judicial diversion was available as an offer to Dr. Francis. However, he also repeated that the findings had many inconsistencies. There was concern throughout the court room as no one knew Judge Jaeger’s final determination. Then came the Judge’s decision – judicial diversion DENIED!
DFM members and the community came out of the court room with a renewed sense of purpose and in a congratulatory mood due to the verdict and the successful efforts of ADA Corrigan. She thanked everyone for their help and support in this effort. While a trial is still possible if an agreement cannot be made between the two attorneys, DFM and the community continue to closely monitor this case and stand ready to help in the battle against drug abuse and the prosecution of drug dealers.
A community that stands together can make a difference in the fight against drugs; Drug Free Massapequa (DFM) will continue to unite the community as we raise awareness and demand a DRUG FREE zone to raise our children. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man; but soon or late the man who wins the battle is the man who thinks he can. Drug Free Massapequa knows they can!
By: Janice Talento
CoFounder & CoPresident – Drug Free Massapequa

I wish the family well.