RPV Doctor PLeads Not Guilty to Illegal Prescriptions

A Rancho Palos Verdes doctor accused of illegally prescribing drugs to undercover operatives working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration pleaded not guilty today to more than 20 felony counts.

Dr. Richard Seongjun Kim, 42, is charged with 21 felony counts of unlawful controlled substance prescription.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Kim illegally prescribed narcotics without a legitimate medical need to undercover operatives working with the DEA during a three-month period last year.

Kim, a general practitioner, allegedly wrote prescriptions for the pain medication Norco, anti-anxiety medication Xanax and muscle relaxant Soma over a three-month period for the operatives without conducting a physical examination, taking any vital signs or completing any medical charts at his clinic on Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Prosecutors allege that Kim would ask the operatives to bring in prior medical charts and X-rays to justify the prescriptions. In one instance, an operative brought in an X-ray of a dog’s chest, according to prosecutors.

A hearing is set to be held July 16 to determine if there is enough evidence to require Kim to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, he could face up to 16 years and four months in local custody, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

City News Service