Physician Assistant at Chicago Medical Practice Charged With Fraudulently Writing Opioid Prescriptions

CHICAGO — A physician assistant who formerly worked at a Chicago medical practice has been charged in federal court with fraudulently writing opioid prescriptions.

HARRY PRZEKOP allegedly used a deceased doctor’s name and prescription forms to write prescriptions for himself and a relative.  An indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago states that Przekop fraudulently obtained prescriptions of hydrocodone and codeine in 2021 and 2022 in Batavia, Ill., and North Aurora, Ill.  Przekop was not a licensed physician and could not lawfully prescribe medications without the direction and approval of licensed doctors. 

The indictment charges Przekop, 69, of Batavia, Ill., with five counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances.  Each count is punishable by up to four years in federal prison.  Przekop pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday in federal court.  U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 22, 2023.

The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin J. Christenson.