NEW YORK (TIP): The Justice Department announced Sept 24 the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, resulting in charges against 13 individuals across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through “pill mill” clinics. Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians. The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.
Dr. Sriramloo Kesari, 77, of Charleston, West Virginia, was charged with allegedly unlawfully distributing controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose. This case was investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG and Hurricane Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Sean O’Connell of the Fraud Section.
This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills. The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.