Sparta Pharmacy closes its doors abruptly

Questions swirl about timing of closing and pending insurance fraud charges against owner, By Fran Hardy Sparta — After nearly 50 years in business, the Sparta Pharmacy closed its doors for good last Monday. The move came suddenly, with no warning and no ”going out of business” sale to liquidate merchandise or give long-time customers time to adjust. A sign placed on the plate glass window reads: “Store closed. Prescription records have been transferred to 11 Center Street, 973-726-3219, CVS Pharmacy.” Visible through the window are shelves still fully stocked with gift and decorative items. CVS pharmacist Chris Ventolo confirmed this week that as of June 30, CVS is in possession of Sparta Pharmacy’s computer including all files and family prescription records. He said customers can continue to fill their prescriptions as they were accustomed, except now they can go to CVS and take advantage of the store’s “open 24 hours and drive-up service.” The phone message customers receive when they call CVS now includes instructions specifically for former Sparta Pharmacy customers inquiring about their prescriptions. Sparta Pharmacy owner, Desmond Fitzgerald of Belvidere, was not available for comment. Last December Fitzgerald, who has owned the pharmacy since 1961, was arrested for suspected insurance fraud following a nine-month investigation. Suspicions came to light when a customer noticed her insurance company was billed for prescriptions she did not receive. Police said investigators discovered what they alleged were at least 23 fraudulent prescription claims Fitzgerald filed with United Healthcare. In December Fitzgerald denied any wrongdoing and said the matter had been a misunderstanding. He expressed confidence he would be exonerated of all charges. Detective Douglas Porter of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s office Insurance Fraud Unit confirmed this week that the case is still pending. He said Fitzgerald has now retained high-profile local attorney George Daggett to defend him and is scheduled to go before a grand jury next month. Porter, who said he was also surprised about the store’s sudden closing, could not confirm whether the pending legal matter led to the pharmacy’s closing or whether the store is yet another victim of the economic crisis. He said, “We had no idea this was going to happen.” Resident Diane O’Connor said she was a loyal customer for over 30 years and said, “I was so surprised as well as disappointed they would close without first calling their regular customers. I think they should have cleared it with me before transferring my family records to CVS.” She said she was in the store on June 22 and heard no word of the planned closing. O’Connor still expressed loyalty to Fitzgerald, saying, “I’ve known Des for so many years and we would always joke around. He is so nice and I will really miss going there.”