Chargers Team Doctor Faces New Allegations

The State Medical Board is trying to revoke the license of a Chargers' team doctor who is accused of perjury and illegal drug use. 

David Chao's gulity plea to a DUI charge caused the medical board to challenge his license last year.

In July, federal agents searched Chao's office, after learning he had allegedly written more than 100 drug prescriptions for himself, over the past two years.

Now, the medical board has leveled more accusations against the team's doctor, claiming he has misused drugs or alcohol and committed perjury on a professional application form.

Federal search warrants allege three doctors for the Padres and two doctors for the Chargers have written hundreds of so-called “suspicious and illegal” prescriptions.

Federal authorities began their investigation last May when former Chargers' safety Kevin Ellison was caught by police with more than 100 prescription pain pills.

Court documents reveal federal drug agents served ten search warrants under seal in June 2010.

Agents say Chargers’ team doctor David Chao allegedly wrote more than 100 prescriptions to himself, or to businesses like "Healthsouth Center" and "Medical Center Oasis.” Prescriptions the DEA calls quote "suspicious and unlawful.”

DEA spokeswoman Amy Roderick said the agency doesn't believe the doctor was using the medications himself. "Based on what we have reviewed, we have no reason to believe that he was using the medication himself," Roderick told the Associated Press.

In a statement, Chao denied the implication of self-use or self-prescribing of controlled substances and said he will continue to appropriately treat injuries.

We left messages with Dr. Chao, his lawyer, and the Chargers about this new development, but have not yet heard back from them.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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