5 local doctors charged with illegally giving out controlled substances

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — Five doctors connected with a drug rehabilitation center in Washington County and Weirton, West Virginia, have been indicted by a federal grand jury.

The doctors all work with Redirections Treatment Advocates, which provides buprenorphine, better known as Suboxone, to people recovering from an opioid addiction.

Channel 11 was there as Redirections clinics in Washington and Bridgeville were raided by the FBI in January.

PREVIOUS STORY: Feds raid several Western Pa. drug rehab centers

Drs. Krishan Kumar Aggarwal, Madhu Aggarwal, Parth Bharill, Cherian John and Michael Bummer are charged with unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance and healthcare fraud.

All live in the Pittsburgh area, and none of them specialize in addiction treatment. John is a cardiologist, Bharill a gastroenterologist, Krishan Aggarwal an internist, and Madhu Aggarwal and Bummer are gynecologists.

TRENDING NOW:

• Nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians impacted by Facebook privacy breach
• Ryan Shazier delivers inspirational message to Pittsburgh Public School seniors
• Mom of victim, suspect's mother enter plea deals in death of 4-year-old
• VIDEO: Go To The Movies Everyday With This Movie Deal

"I do have concerns about that," said Dr. Neil Capretto, medical director at Gateway Rehab. "Addiction is a complex illness. We at Gateway call it a bio, psycho, social and often spiritual condition."

"My first thoughts ultimately go out to the patients they're trying to help. They're really the ultimate victims here."

Bummer is also a UPMC employee, but a spokeswoman said the charges aren’t related to his work there and he’s been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

His attorney told Channel 11 they're deeply concerned by the indictment but look forward to seeing the evidence.

Cox Media Group