Pharmacist pleads guilty in drug distribution conspiracy

A Providence pharmacist pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of misbranding drugs, illegally distributing controlled substances and health care fraud.

Carmine DeTomasis was also co-owner of Prime Drug on Cranston Street.

DeTomasis, 73, admitted he illegally sold and purchased controlled substances from another suspect, Louis Romanelli.

DeTomasis said he also submitted false claims to health insurers for drugs that were never sold.  He will be sentenced in April.

Romanelli, 81, has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Prime Drug has since closed.