ELKO, NV – A Nevada cardiologist, Dr. Rajesh Patel, 60, of Elko, will spend three years in federal prison for running a prescription opioid mill disguised as a legitimate cardiology practice. Patel pleaded guilty in November 2018 to distribution of controlled substances after a December 2017 indictment exposed his reckless prescribing habits.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Patel, owner and operator of Northeastern Nevada Cardiology, indiscriminately prescribed Oxycodone and Hydrocodone between September 2015 and February 2016. The scheme wasn’t about patient care; it was about volume. Patel saw a high number of patients, churning through appointments to freely hand out highly addictive opioids without addressing any genuine medical concerns. His DEA license was suspended immediately upon his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich minced no words, stating, “Medical professionals who violate their oath and the law by prescribing addictive opioids without a legitimate medical purpose will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable for their actions.” The sentiment was echoed by Aaron C. Rouse, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, who warned, “Let those who would betray their oath to do no harm take notice of the penalty for such callous mistreatment of their patients.”
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the FBI, DEA, Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Secret Service, and local law enforcement agencies, uncovered a pattern of blatant disregard for patient well-being and a clear prioritization of profit. Marc C. Kuzmicki, Resident Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Reno Office, stated the case served as a warning to practitioners in Northern Nevada fueling the opioid epidemic. Christian J. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HHS OIG, expressed disbelief a doctor would needlessly prescribe addictive medications.
In addition to the three-year prison sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks, Patel was ordered to pay a hefty $500,000 fine and will face three years of supervised release following his incarceration. He is scheduled to self-surrender on August 6, 2019. The case highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on medical professionals contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. Authorities note that over 42,000 Americans died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2016, and more than 1,000 people are treated daily in emergency rooms for misuse.
The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami, utilized data from the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection unit, a program designed to identify and dismantle illicit opioid distribution networks. Nevada, in particular, saw 408 opioid-related deaths in 2016. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who exploit the trust placed in them as medical professionals will face severe consequences for their actions, especially as the nation grapples with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.”
Related Federal Cases
- Devendra I. Patel, Oxycodone Distribution, Nevada 2024 · Utah
- Christopher Thomas, Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, East St. Louis… · Missouri
- Aaron Peila, Oxycodone Distribution and Money Laundering, UT 2023 · Arkansas
- Saul Cisneros, Methamphetamine Distribution, Nevada 2023 · Colorado
- Jason Lee Houston, K2 Distribution Scheme, MO 2017 · Missouri
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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