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Thousand Oaks Doctor Under Investigation For Allegedy Treating Patients While On Drugs

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — A Ventura County psychiatrist was being investigated for allegedly treating patients while under the influence of narcotics, authorities said Tuesday.

The investigation into Dr. Daryl Westerback was sparked by two arrests in three months for driving under the influence, the Thousand Oaks Police Department said.

Westerback, 55, was first arrested on March 8 for felony child endangerment and DUI following a traffic accident.

The Thousand Oaks resident was arrested again on June 5 after he was seen by a narcotics detective exhibiting a driving pattern consistent with impaired driving, Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis said.

"Dr. Westerback was interviewed by members of the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit and the investigation revealed he had been treating patients while impaired due to prescription drug use," Pentis said.

The investigation also revealed evidence of potential improper prescribing practices involving drugs like hydrocodone, Vicodin and Norco.

"We learned that one of his patients had died of an overdose and we're looking into that death of the patient while he was under his care," said Pentis.

Westerback is currently free on bail. Charges have only been filed in relation to both DUIs.

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