A cardiologist from Northern Nevada was sentenced this week to three years in federal prison for the unlawful distribution of opioids.
Devendra Patel was convicted and sentenced for prescribing highly addictive pain pills Oxycodone and Hydrocodone at a high rate to his patients without a medical purpose.
Patel owned and operated Northeastern Nevada Cardiology, and pleaded guilty in November to distribution of controlled substances. His prescribing practices allowed him to see a high volume of patients and easily prescribe opioids, while not addressing any legitimate medical concerns.
The U.S. Attorney for Nevada Nicholas Trutanich said in a statement his office is committed to the investigation and prosecution of medical professionals who abuse their position of trust and contribute to the nationwide opioid crisis.
