June 6, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Doctors Practicing in Unlicensed Offices in Lynwood Plead “Not Guilty”

Two doctors who both operated medical offices in Lynwood pleaded not guilty today to federal charges alleging they sold prescriptions for powerful drugs to gang members suspected of using cash gleaned from residential burglaries committed across Southern California.

Sonny Oparah, 75, and Edward Ridgill, 64, were ordered to separately stand trial on Nov. 1 in Los Angeles federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The physicians surrendered to federal authorities last month following raids in South Los Angeles that resulted in the arrests of more than a dozen suspected gang members allegedly involved in the burglary ring.

The arrests of Oparah and Ridgill occurred jointly with a sweep targeting the East Coast Crips street gang — part of a multi-year investigation dubbed “Operation Money Bags.”

Prosecutors allege the probe uncovered evidence that the doctors served as key suppliers of powerful painkillers used to fashion “purple drank,” a so- called party drink made from promethazine with codeine cough syrup, which is mixed with Sprite or Mountain Dew.

Oparah, of Long Beach, wrote nearly 13,000 prescriptions from July 2014 to July 2015, and Ventura resident Ridgill issued more than 21,000 such prescriptions from July 2011 to July 2014, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

A 14-count indictment charges Oparah with illegal distribution of codeine, alprazolam — generic for the anti-anxiety medication Xanax — and promethazine with codeine. If convicted, he faces up to 51 years behind bars, prosecutors said.

Ridgill is charged in a 26-count indictment alleging the illegal distribution of hydrocodone, alprazolam and carisoprodol — a muscle relaxer commonly known as Soma. If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 239 years in prison.

Both doctors are free on bond, and have been ordered not to write any prescriptions.

The suspected gang members are charged in state court with residential burglaries and attempted break-ins at homes in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

 

463518799

Related Posts

(Video) See How CO2 Laser Treatment Removes Wrinkles and Scars

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

To Book an Appointment, Go to Mirrormirrormedspa.com To Book an Appointment, Go to https://t.co/GQ7DNcGw8E pic.twitter.com/OdAVVpLIcw — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) June 5,...

Film Review: Dangerous Animals

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

By Dolores Quintana There’s nothing quite like a good shark horror movie, especially since we are heading into summer. With...

Erewhon and LGBTQ Singer Kali Uchis Serve Summer Smoothie for a Good Cause

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

The Sincerely Smoothie Blends Passionfruit, Pitaya, and Malk Coconut Milk LGBTQ singer Kali Uchis has teamed up with Erewhon to...

Levain Bakery and Wanderlust Creamery Team Up for a Sweet Cause This Saturday

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Lily Rosenthal and Chef Mason Royal Host a Cookie & Ice Cream Celebration Larchmont’s Levain Bakery will host a community...

Vietnamese Street Food Pop-Up ‘Little C’ Returns to Crustacean for Limited Lunch Series

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

After a Sold-Out Debut, the Fan-Favorite Phở-Forward Concept Reopens  Following a sold-out debut, the Vietnamese street food concept “Little C”...

Fogo de Chão Unveils Fiery Off-Menu Cocktail, the Paper Flame

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Tequila-Based Drink Features a Dramatic Tableside Presentation Fogo de Chão has unveiled its first-ever secret cocktail, the Paper Flame, an...

Marelle Launches ‘The Guest List’ With Renowned Chefs and Friends Alan Wong and Raphael Lunetta

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Santa Monica’s New Chef Series Debuts With a Culinary Celebration of California and Hawaiian Flavors Marelle, a coastal dining destination...

Culver City’s Citizen Public Market Launches Summer Lineup of Food and Art

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

From Brats to Biryani: Citizen Public Market Unveils Fantastic New Flavors  Culver City’s Citizen Public Market is rolling out a...

(Video) Some of the Damage Caused By Vandals at Malibu High School Overnight

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

40 to 50 people, who are suspected to be students or recent alumni, used eggs, flour, and markers to deface...

Biggest Night of the Year: Don’t Miss GMCLA’s ‘Dancing Queens’

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Culminating its 46th season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will grace the crowd with Dancing Queens, celebrating iconic...

Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI After Rollover Crash in West Los Angeles

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

One Person Hospitalized, Light Pole Smashed After Late-Night Collision One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and another person...

Pluto TV and Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Team Up to Host Free Weekend Screenings

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Popcorn Challenge Interactive Event Set for Westfield Century City Mall  The historic Gardena Cinema, one of the last single-screen, family-operated...

Former ‘Real Housewives’ Husband Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15 Million Client Fraud 

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Federal Judge Rejects Plea for Medical Placement, Orders Restitution and Prison Time Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced Tuesday...

Malibu High Targeted in Overnight Vandalism Spree; Investigation Underway

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Destruction on Campus Prompts Sheriff’s Probe; Students May Face Charges Vandals caused extensive damage to the school property of Malibu...

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...