Berwyn Ex-Doctor Behind Bars For Selling Opioids: U.S. Attorney

PHILADELPHIA, PA —A 64-year-old former doctor was sentenced to two years in federal prison on charges of selling opioids to patients for no legitimate medical reason at his St. Davids practice in Radnor Township, officials said Wednesday.

Yutong Zhang of Berwyn pleaded guilty in February 2022 before U.S. Judge Michael M. Baylson to four counts of distributing oxycodone outside of the usual course of medical practice from 2016 to 2020.

The sentence calls for three years of probation following the prison term.

The investigation disclosed Zhang sold medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances to about 120 so-called patients, who were cash-paying customers.

Zhang admitted he sold prescriptions to four undercover investigators for $90 a visit, according to court records.

Investigators said Zhang frequently supplied prescriptions after conducting only a cursory physical examination or without any examination.

Zhang surrendered his medical license voluntarily in December 2020, according to court records.
In a related case, the U.S. attorney reached a settlement of $715,000 with Zhang. The civil settlement also permanently prevents Zhang from ever prescribing controlled substances.

The sentence was based on an agreement between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Zhang’s attorney, Patrick J. Egan, Philadelphia.

Reaction

U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero of the Eastern District said the office is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic on all fronts, including prosecuting drug dealers who happen to have a medical degree.
“As a physician, Yutong Zhang was certainly aware of the inherently dangerous nature of the drugs he was selling, but he chose to profit from the sales of prescriptions, instead of providing genuine medical treatment,” Romero said. “His actions kept addicted customers returning to his office, contributing to the opioid crisis on the streets of Philadelphia.”

Radnor Township Police Superintendent Chris Flanagan said the township is pleased the illegal operation was shut down.

“These ‘pill mills’ affect everyone involved; the user, their friends and their families,” Flanagan said. “Over time, they truly ruin lives.”
Flanagan encouraged those struggling with drug addiction to seek support from the many free resources where they live.

Jacqueline Maguire, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, said Zhang and other doctors who deal oxycodone to anyone who can pay for it are directly fueling the opioid crisis and its mounting human toll here.
“Today we see yet another local physician going to prison for pushing powerful pills to addicts,” Maguire said. “We see a waste of all that education and experience, and we see a monstrous ethical lapse.”