Doctor Charged With Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance

By Charles Keeshan Daily Herald Staff Writer

A 73-year-old McHenry County doctor is facing up to five years in prison and the loss of her medical license after her arrest Wednesday on charges she sold painkiller prescriptions to patients who did not need them.

Thanam L. Paramanandhan, of Richmond, was charged Wednesday with six counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance stemming from a five-month investigation headed by McHenry County Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

As part of the investigation, sheriff’s Lt. Donald Carlson said, an undercover officer went to Paramanandhan’s Richmond office, complained of back pain and purchased a painkiller prescription without undergoing a medical examination.

“The whole operation took approximately five minutes from the time (the doctor) introduced herself to the time the officer had the prescription and was out the door,” Carlson said. “I believe (Paramanandhan) knew they were being used for illicit purposes because she didn’t give a medical exam and she charged for the scrips, which most doctors don’t.”

Officers conducting surveillance outside the office noticed a similar pattern of patients coming and going in short order, Carlson said.

Paramanandhan, free after posting a $50,000 bond, vehemently denied the allegations Wednesday. She claimed she was set up by a “malicious” former patient.

“This is something I think is being fabricated,” she said. “I don’t know why they are doing this, but don’t be surprised if I end up filing a personal injury lawsuit against McHenry County.”

Paramanandhan, a family practice physician, has been licensed by the state since August 1972, according to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation records. She has never been disciplined by the agency, records indicate.

But sheriff’s police say the agency was involved in the investigation that led to her arrest Wednesday and is examining whether to revoke her license. Department spokeswoman Susan Hofer said she could not confirm that but did say there has been no immediate action taken against Paramanandhan in connection with her arrest.

As part of the investigation, Paramanandhan’s DEA registration, which allows her to handle and prescribe controlled substances, was surrendered, police said.

ckeeshan@@dailyherald.com

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