A New England doctor, Adnan S. Khan, has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances. This case marks the first joint prosecution by the Justice Department’s New England Strike Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
“The defendant, a medical doctor based in New England, prescribed drugs to vulnerable patients in exchange for cash, knowing the patients were diverting the drugs,” stated Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. She emphasized that this conviction highlights their commitment to holding accountable those who prioritize profits over patient welfare.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for Vermont remarked on Khan's violation of ethical standards: “Khan is an example of that — a bad apple in a profession that takes an oath to uphold ethical standards and treat patients as you would want to be treated."
Court documents reveal that Khan conspired with others through his business, New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), prescribing controlled substances while aware that patients were misusing them. He also required cash payments for office visits and falsified records to justify his actions.
Special Agent Roberto Coviello from HHS-OIG commented on Khan's actions: “Rather than providing responsible addiction treatment... Khan ran his medical practice with...corruption.”
Craig Tremaroli of FBI Albany Field Office added: “Today’s plea proves he is no better than a street level drug dealer motivated by pure greed.”
DEA Acting Diversion Program Manager George J. Lutz Jr. reiterated the importance of trust in medical practitioners and noted ongoing investigations into illegal activities like Khan's.
Vermont Attorney General Charity R. Clark expressed support for accountability among physicians exploiting their authority for profit.
Khan allegedly charged $250 per prescription despite patients having insurance coverage and used proceeds to acquire luxury items such as an airplane and properties.
Khan will face sentencing at a later date with a potential maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment; he is currently barred from prescribing controlled substances.
The investigation was led by HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and Vermont Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Unit. The case prosecution involves Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and Danielle H. Sakowski alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Gilman.
The Fraud Section collaborates nationwide against health care fraud via its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program since March 2007—charging over 5,400 defendants involved in fraudulent billing practices exceeding $27 billion.
Further information about health care fraud efforts can be found on justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
For opioid treatment services assistance, contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse Helpline at 1-800-662-4359.