Former California doctor Sawtantra Chopra, pleads guilty to illegally prescribing opioids

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Sawtantra Chopra, 76, of Modesto, California, pleaded guilty May 10, 2023, to three counts of illegally prescribing opioids and other medication, according to a press release from the Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Chopra admitted prescribing drugs — including hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), and Promethazine with codeine syrup — outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

“These drugs are highly addictive and commonly abused. They affect the central nervous system and may only be prescribed when medically required,” the press release said.

Chopra surrendered his medical license in 2020 as the case was pending.

Chopra is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston.

Chopra faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.