Bryn Mawr Doctor Found Guilty of Causing the Death of a Patient: U.S. Attorney

BRYN MAWR, PA -- A Bryn Mawr physician has been found guilty of more than 300 felony charges in a drug-distribution case that ultimately led to the death of one of his patients, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday.

Jeffrey Bado, who maintained two practices in the area, was convicted of a total of 308 felony counts, including two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of drug distribution resulting in death, 269 counts of drug distribution, 33 counts of health care fraud, and two counts of making false statements to federal agents, authorities said.

According to the U.S. Attorney, Bado prescribed "large amounts" of oxycodone and methadone to clients without medical necessity at his practices in Roxborough and Bryn Mawr from 2011 to 2013. In one instance, this led to the death of a patient.

“We are tremendously gratified with the jury’s verdict in this important prosecution,” said United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. “This verdict represents the culmination of an outstanding effort from our prosecutors and law enforcement partners to hold accountable those individuals, particularly those in the medical profession, whose illegal conduct fuels the epidemic of prescription drug abuse that is wreaking havoc on our society. We will continue to investigate and prosecute these dangerous drug dealers, whether they are doctors, pharmacists, or otherwise, as well work with the community to help reverse the trend of serious drug abuse.”

Memeger said that Bado "issued prescriptions tailored to the needs of drug addicts and dealers," providing very specific concentrations of oxycodone and continuing to supply drugs even when he knew they were addicted.

Multiple former patients testified that they became addicted to oxycodone after Bado's prescriptions.

Bado was also convicted of health care fraud, having fraudulently billed Medicare and private insurers for patient visits that occurred when Bado was out of the country, the U.S. Attorney said. He later lied to authorities about it.

Sentencing is forthcoming.

Patch file photo.