Long Island Cardiologist Accused of Plotting to Kill Rival Doctor: Prosecutors

A Long Island cardiologist faces a bevy of charges after prosecutors allege he sold drugs, guns and knives to pay to have his former employer's office set ablaze and plotted to have a rival doctor beaten and killed following a professional dispute.

The 54-year-old doctor from Sands Point, Anthony Moschetto, faces dozens of charges including arson, burglary and multiple counts each of conspiracy, criminal solicitation, arson, weapons and drug charges in connection with the alleged plots, the Nassau County District Attorney's office said Wednesday.

Two other men -- James Chmela, 44, and James Kalamaras, 41 -- were arrested on multiple charges including arson and burglary, in the alleged conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege Moschetto began selling prescription drugs and weapons after a professional dispute with the other doctor, who was at one time his employer.

“Today we charge a doctor, a cardiologist, a man who took the oath to save lives, with a complex scheme aimed at ending the life of another doctor,” said Madeline Singas, Nassau County’s acting district attorney.

Undercover police investigating prescription drug sales in the county in December stumbled upon the murder and arson plots, prosecutors say. The officer began by buying oxycodone, but was able to buy heroin and guns in February. Police later discovered that the guns and drugs were allegedly purchased by Moschetto before being transferred to the seller.

During one of the buys, the seller asked the undercover officer if he could get dynamite to blow up a building, prosecutors say. A few months later, the seller told the undercover officer that he no longer needed the dynamite because he had Kalamaras burn down the doctor’s office in Great Neck in February. Chmela was also allegedly involved in the arson, which didn’t destroy the office.

Later, prosecutors say, Moschetto gave a confidential informant and an undercover cop blank prescription pads and cash on separate occasions to have the rival doctor attacked and then killed. The doctor allegedly told the informant and officer that they should attack the doctor’s wife if she was present during the initial beating, then suggested that the would-be hit men kill the rival cardiologist with a gun he was known to carry.

After the trio was arrested Tuesday, officers searching Moschetto’s home found a trove of guns, drugs and knives in a secret room with a mechanically operated trap door.

Moschetto, Chmela and Kalamaras were all arraigned Wednesday. Attorney information for the men wasn’t immediately available.

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