September 16, 2015
Doctor busted by DEA agents sentenced to prison
Case revealed scams, fraud and drug distribution
The DEA Phoenix Division announces the sentencing of Edward Jack Sayegh, M.D. to four years in prison, after the Phoenix area doctor pled guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy, fraud, and multiple drug diversion charges following a long-term investigation into his medical practice, Arizona Family Medicine.
In February 2012, DEA began its investigation based on information received that alleged Sayegh was personally abusing narcotics, sold prescriptions to a select group of patients and billing insurances for services never rendered. In September 2013, the Office of the Attorney General, State of Arizona, joined DEA’s investigative efforts and expanded the investigation revealing additional illicit activity, including the diverting of controlled substances to drug traffickers in exchange for prostitutes.
“Doctors who abuse their position cause great damage to our communities and those they are supposed to serve. By betraying the public trust given to him as a medical practitioner, his actions tarnish the medical profession and the great work of the vast majority of health care workers,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “DEA will continue to do all we can to protect the public from those who prey on the innocent, regardless of their position or occupation.”
DEA Agents and investigators from the Attorney General’s Office uncovered the illicit operations which included which included fraudulent billing practices and prescribing controlled substance without establishing a standard of care. Following Sayegh’s arrest, the Arizona Medical Board suspended Sayegh’s state license and Sayegh eventually surrendered his DEA registration.
