Physician Charged with Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances
A physician from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, has been charged with illegally distributing controlled substances and tax fraud. Dr. Charles Garo Avetian, 55, was charged with distributing controlled substances and submitting false individual income tax returns.
According to the charges, Avetian issued invalid prescriptions for Fioricet, a medication containing butalbital, a barbiturate and Schedule III controlled substance, based solely on online questionnaires completed by customers of the websites that employed him.
The defendant is also accused of failing to report approximately $363,830 of gross receipts earned during the tax years 2012 through 2014 on his federal income tax returns.
Avetian faces a maximum possible sentence of 139 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, a $7,250,000 million fine, and a $1,600 special assessment if convicted.
“The conduct alleged to have occurred in this case is drug dealing – plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain. “Although the defendant’s chosen venue was the Internet rather than a street corner, the practical effect is the same and the impact to the community is just as bad.”
U.S. Attorney McSwain added, “The consequences should similarly reflect the severity of this behavior and the alleged tax fraud.”
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Frank R. Costello, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Dr. Avetian is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is a reminder of the dangers of unregulated online pharmacies and the importance of accurate tax returns.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking,Fraud & Financial Crimes,Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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