Saratoga Doctor Indicted On Unlawful Drug Distribution

SARATOGA, CA -- A Saratoga doctor has been charged for prescribing hydrocodone unlawfully outside his medical practice and without legitimate medical need, the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Jose reported Monday.

A federal grand jury contends Venkat Aachi was charged with health care fraud, Attorney Alex G. Tse of the Drug Enforcement Administration explained. He was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the indictment filed on Oct. 9, Aachi, 52, doled out the drugs on six occasions from Nov. 27 through March 5. Further, the physician allegedly submitted to an insurance company "a false and fraudulent claim for payment for healthcare benefits."

The defendant is charged on six counts of drug distribution. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $1 million in penalties on each count.

Aachi was arraigned on Oct. 12 and entered an innocent plea.

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