Santa Monica Doctor Charged with Script Fraud Scheme

A Santa Monica doctor and two associates are due in court next month for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial on charges of orchestrating an alleged prescription fraud scheme.

Dr. Daniel Shin, who operates a pain management clinic in Santa Monica, is charged along with his office manager, Thomas Mark Oseransky, and a colleague, Dyno Travato West, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors allege that the three orchestrated a complex scheme to have Shin write numerous fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions for Oseransky and West to fill.

Shin is charged with 20 counts, including obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, issuing a false or fictitious prescription, conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of cocaine.

Shin, 48, remains jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail while awaiting the April 24 hearing.

Oseransky, 48, is charged with six counts, including obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, identity theft, conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and possessing or obtaining a non-conforming prescription. He is free on $30,000 bail.

West, 37, is charged with 14 counts, including obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, issuing a false or fictitious prescription, conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and possession of a designated controlled substance. Prosecutors allege that West  -- who is jailed in lieu of $140,000 bail -- has an October 2007 conviction for residential burglary.

The three have pleaded not guilty.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and its health task force.

--City News Service