Former Pittsburgh physician Richard Rydze was convicted on all 180 counts against him, including conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin. The charges stem from a months-long trial detailing Rydze’s activities between 2005 and 2012.
Rydze, 67, owned Optimal Health Center LLC (OHC) in Pittsburgh and was involved with Diagnostic Medical Associates prior to OHC’s opening. He used his medical license to enrich himself, flooding the community with dangerous painkillers while falsely diagnosing patients for unauthorized steroid use.
James Hatzimbes and William Sadowski pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. They owned HSE Salon and Wellness Center, where Rydze scheduled ‘steroid clinics’ and shared profits. Sadowski operated ANEWrx Pharmacy, which filled prescriptions without proper justification, facilitating a kickback scheme with Rydze.
Rydze received $301,407 in commission payments from ANEWrx for filling prescriptions at inflated rates. He was also convicted of marking up prices for his patients and receiving additional kickbacks, totaling over $400,000. The FBI will continue to pursue such illegal activities among medical professionals.
While a sentencing date has not been set, the conviction sends a clear message that greed and power in medicine have consequences. ‘Greed and power often drives criminal activity,’ said Special Agent Stephen D. Anthony, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to rooting out such abuses within the healthcare system.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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