CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Wyoming County medical doctor was named Monday in a 20-count federal indictment for allegedly distributing drugs “outside the bounds of a legitimate medical practice.”
Dr. Manuel Barit, the only practicing physician at the Mullens Family Clinic, allegedly made controlled substances available including the opioid hydrocodone from October 2014 to January 2018. The indictment lists 19 separate distributions to nine different people for hydrocodone and methylphenidate.
The indictment also alleges that from October 2013 to January 2018, Barit defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by submitting claims that he treated patients in Mullens on dates that he was outside the country.
“This indictment is an example of my Office’s commitment to hold doctors accountable when they violate federal laws designed to protect the health and safety of patients,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart in a news release. “Opioid-related health care fraud is a serious problem facing the Southern District of West Virginia, and we will work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring suspected criminals to justice and protect our communities. A drug dealer in a lab coat is still just a drug dealer.”
If convicted, Barit faces up to 390 years in prison and a $5 million fine.