San Ramon Doctor Caught In Sting Operation

A 62-year-old doctor who lives in San Ramon and practices in San Leandro has pled guilty to filing a false insurance claim after he was caught "negligently" prescribing Vicodin in a sting operation conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

As a result of the plea, Dr. Naim Katiby who worked out of the AAFTAB Medical Center at 15921 East 14th St., San Leandro, will get five years probation, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's office, which prosecuted the case.

The California Department of Insurance was also involved in the case.

According to the district attorney's office, from November 2008 through January 2009 undercover DEA agents, posing as victims of an auto accident, sought treatment from Dr. Katiby.  Over the course of several undercover visits Dr. Katiby agreed to bill the agent’s fictitious auto policy for injuries that the doctor knew were not sustained in an auto accident, according to the DA.

The DA says Dr. Katiby over billed for the treatment provided and created a false medical record, billing for one visit that never occurred. The release says the doctor "negligently" prescribed Vicodin to both undercover agents, who behaved like addicted users. Katiby once prescribed the narcotic without talking to or examining one of the undercover "patients," the release said.

As a result of his felony plea, Dr. Katiby will get five years of probation, which makes him subject to a search at any time of his person, auto, home or work place. He will also get a fine determined by the judge presiding over the case, the DA's office said.

The California Attorney General’s Office has been monitoring the case on behalf of the Medical Board of California, and has the authority to seek sanction against Dr. Katiby’s license to practice medicine.

Deputy District Attorney Matt Wendt prosecuted the case.