Hector Duarte Jr. All Headline News Staff Reporter

New York, NY (AHN)- Arlen Fleisher, Stephen Klass and George Shapiro were charged Thursday for giving large amounts of Viagra and other anti-impotence drugs to mob members in exchange for construction and auto repair services done by mafia-controlled businesses.

The arrests came from an investigation into the Gambino family's activity.

Shapiro had been treating Gregory DePalma, who prosecutors say is a powerful "captain" in the Gambino family and was indicted for racketeering in March.

Each was arrested at their homes Thursday morning and released after posting a $50,000 bond.

If convicted, they each face a maximum 10-year prison term. They were also accused of handing out Cialis, Levitra and other prescription drugs, including Lipitor.

Robert Wolf, one of the lawyers representing Fleisher, said it is accepted practice among doctors to give patients samples and alleges an anti-Italian bias as reason for the arrest.

"This is a message to the medical profession. Don't treat Italians," he told reporters. "This is rampant and accepted in the medical profession, unless your patient is Italian."