San Fernando Pharmacist Danielian Sentenced for Narcotic Fraud

LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley pharmacist has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme that involved fraudulently filling prescriptions for opioids and other narcotics. Gevork Danielian, 41, from Granada Hills, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The Justice Department announced the sentence today.

Danielian operated A&G Care Pharmacy, where he falsified prescriptions with forged signatures of real physicians. He knowingly sold these drugs, which were intended for illicit sale, from April 2018 to December 2018. For instance, on October 29, 2018, he filled prescriptions for nearly 120 pills each of 30-milligram strength oxycodone for fictional patients.

Following an investigation, the California State Board of Pharmacy placed Danielian on probation and ceased his business in November 2020. Prosecutors argued that Danielian violated his responsibility as a pharmacist to prevent addiction and abuse.

United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi sentenced Danielian to 24 months and ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Jhai prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Danielian’s actions in this conspiracy are a stark reminder of the potential for abuse within the pharmacy profession. The sentence reflects the severe nature of his offense and the need to maintain integrity in the healthcare industry.