GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A Solon-based doctor has been hit with a 46-count indictment, charging him with the illegal distribution of prescription painkillers and health care fraud. Syed Jawad Akhtar-Zaidi, 59, operated Pain Management of Northern Ohio (PMNO) and is accused of doling out thousands of doses of drugs such as Percocet, Oxycontin, and Opana to individuals with no legitimate medical need.
Zaidi’s alleged misconduct includes conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, health care fraud, distribution of controlled substances, and money laundering. According to the charges, Zaidi failed to verify patient identities or conduct proper examinations before prescribing powerful opioids. He utilized pre-signed blank prescription forms and instructed staff not to report suspicious patients.
The indictment outlines numerous transactions between 2012 and 2013 where customers received substantial doses of various painkillers. Zaidi’s fraudulent activities also involved billing Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers for office visits that were not legitimate medical procedures.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit over $4.8 million in accounts and 139 pieces of jewelry worth more than $90,000, claiming the assets were obtained through illegal proceeds. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and HHS-Inspector General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry DeBaggis and Matthew Kall are handling the case against Zaidi, who now faces a long list of serious charges.
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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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