WHIO TV | Ed Richter
The owner and operator of a Hamilton pain clinic has pleaded guilty to charges of illegal distribution of controlled substances, health care fraud and violating the anti-kickback statute in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati.
Nilesh Jobalia, 54, of Cincinnati, entered a guilty plea Monday before U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott.
“Today Dr. Jobalia accepted responsibility for trafficking drugs by means of a prescription pad, health care fraud, and receiving kickbacks,” said Benjamin C. Glassman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “He faces a substantial term of imprisonment for his crimes.”
Jobalia was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2018.
As part of his plea agreement, the parties involved in his case are recommending a sentence range of 78 to 144 months in prison.
A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered to be completed by Dec. 9. No sentencing date has been set according to court records.
Glassman was joined by Lamont Pugh III, special agent in charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Anthony Groeber, executive director, Ohio Medical Board; Steven Schierholt, executive director, Ohio Board of Pharmacy; and Stephanie B. McCloud, Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation administrator, announced the plea.