“Given the amount of prescription drug abuse that is currently impacting individuals, families, and communities, it is important that we have California DOJ special agents who investigate those in the medical field who abuse their positions and oaths and act in an illegal and harmful manner.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SANTA CLARA — On August 11, 2023, Dr. Arash Padidar, a Santa Clara County doctor, was arrested and charges were filed regarding the alleged illegal prescribing of opioids to patients. The arrest and charges are the result of an investigation by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Padidar was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.

"Doctors are trusted with the immense responsibility of protecting our health and our lives," said Attorney General Bonta. "When a bad actor exploits their position for personal gain, they not only shatter our trust, they harm vulnerable patients. Let today’s arrest serve as a warning: The California Department of Justice will not tolerate abuses of power and will hold perpetrators accountable."

DOJ investigators found that Padidar’s alleged illegal prescription scheme was carried out between October 2018 and October 2020 and involved the highly addictive pain medication Norco. He is facing seven felony counts for obtaining opioids by fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, issuing prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose, forging and issuing a prescription, unlawful use of personal information and conspiracy to commit a crime.

The investigation and arrest were conducted by DOJ’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (DMFEA), which was alerted to the alleged crimes by the DEA.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

A copy of the criminal complaint can be found here.