Mahoning County challenges pharmacist’s early release from probation

By PETER H. MILLIKEN

milliken@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

An assistant Mahoning County prosecutor said he’ll oppose a motion for early release from probation, which was filed on behalf of a pharmacist, who was convicted of felony drug offenses.

The assistant prosecutor, Martin P. Desmond, said he would oppose in writing the motion made Friday by Atty. Michael J. McGee on behalf of Gary Evankovich, 56, of Boardman, a former owner of North Lima and Bel-Park pharmacies.

Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Evankovich to three years’ probation and forfeiture of $25,000 in February after Evankovich pleaded guilty to 24 fourth-degree felony counts of sale of dangerous drugs in an Internet prescription scheme.

In March, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy notified Evankovich of the immediate suspension of his pharmacy license because of that conviction, and the board’s website shows his license still is suspended.

“Defendant has complied with all requirements of his probation and paid all restitution,” McGee wrote in his motion to end Evankovich’s probation less than seven months following its imposition.

“He was sentenced to three years. He should have to do three years,” on probation, Desmond said, adding that he’ll likely request a hearing on McGee’s motion.

“He hasn’t done anything to show why he should be released early” from probation, Desmond said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.