Law and Justice

Former Modesto physician pleads guilty to illegally prescribing opioids, could face up to 20 years

D.A. Gougherty

May 11, 2023 — 1 min read

A former Modesto physician pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court yesterday to three counts of illegally prescribing opioids and other medication. Sawtantra Chopra, 76, of Modesto, pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of illegally prescribing opioids and other medication, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Sawtantra Chopra, 76, admitted prescribing drugs — including hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), and Promethazine with codeine syrup — outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Chopra was arrested in 2018.

These drugs are highly addictive and commonly abused. They affect the central nervous system and may only be prescribed when medically required.

Chopra surrendered his medical license in 2020 as the case was pending.

This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse Drug Diversion Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Tierney is prosecuting the case.

Chopra is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston and faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

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