Opening statements were held on April 23, 2009 in the trial of U.S. v. Masound Bamdad, M.D. in the Central District Court in Los Angeles. The prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Arteaga, gave an opening statement while Dr. Bamdad 's attorney opted not to make an opening statement but reserved the right to do so at a later time.
Remember that Indictments contain only allegations against an individual and all defendants must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal authorities launched their investigation two years ago after receiving a tip regarding Dr. Bamdad's practice on Maclay Avenue in San Fernando, according to the testimony of DEA agent Susannah Herkert. Herkert testified that she ran a computer check and discovered that Dr. Bamdad was prescribing large quantities of oxycodone and OxyContin to patients younger than 30, which can be an indication of prescription abuse.
Dr. Bamdad is charged with needlessly prescribing oxycodone to more than a dozen patients. Opening statements are not evidence but the prosecutor said Dr. Bamdad admitted to receiving about $30,000 a week in cash -- or $1.5 million a year -- for prescriptions, and that agents found $60,000 in cash in a safe in his home
The Los Angeles Times reported on this case. The article can be found at:
Any questions or comments should be directed to: tgreen@greenassoc.com. Tracy Green is a principal at Green and Associates in Los Angeles, California. They focus their practice on the representation of licensed professionals and businesses in civil, business, administrative and criminal proceedings, with a specialty in health care providers.
