Physician In Los Angeles Convicted Of 17 Counts Of Drug Trafficking Charges For Prescription Painkillers After 3 Day Federal Trial

The Los Angeles Times has reported that on August 14, 2014, 78-year old Dr. Andrew Sun was convicted after a 3-day trial on 17 felony counts, including charges involving prescribing controlled substances (Vicodin and Xanax) without medical necessity in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  Three of the counts related to money laundering relating to how he handled proceeds from the prescription patients.  The case relied on undercover agents posing as patients and the tapes of the physician-patient interactions.  The clinics were in San Gabriel and Los Angeles.  

This is a follow-up on a prior post about this case.  This case was unusual since Dr. Sun had agreed to plead guilty but after appearing in court, the plea was withdrawn and/or not accepted by the Court.  The case then proceeded to trial.  

Dr. Sun is facing sentencing but he may not be doing anything helpful for his case by being interviewed by the L.A. Times.  The L.A. Times reported that the reporter interviewed him after his conviction, that he denied wrongdoing, the case was "unfair" and complained that his lawyers would not let him testify.  

There are also forfeiture issues and they are scheduled to be addressed at the next court hearing on August 25, 2014.

Posted by Tracy Green, Esq.
Green and Associates, Attorneys at Law
Email: tgreen@greenassoc.com
Phone: 213-233-2260