Encino Doctor Indicted On Charges He Unlawfully Prescribed Narcotics

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An Encino doctor has been charged with prescribing and selling narcotic drugs without a legitimate reason, according to a grand jury indictment unsealed Friday.

Yahya Hedvat, 68, pleaded not guilty to eight felony counts of unlawfully prescribing a controlled substance, including hydrocodone and clonazepam, and two counts of sale/offer to sell/transportation of a controlled substance. Hedvat had been facing the same charges in a case filed in August, in which he had been awaiting a hearing if there was enough evidence for him to stand trial.

That case was dismissed as a result of the indictment.

Hedvat allegedly prescribed various narcotic drugs to undercover agents with the California Medical Board without performing proper examinations or prescribing the drugs for a legitimate medical purpose. An internal medicine specialist, Hedvat runs an Encino medical clinic called "Urgent Care."

The indictment alleges the crimes occurred between August 2012 and March of this year.

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