Weight loss clinic owners indicted

The owner of three Chicago-area weight loss clinics and his wife have been indicted on charges they illegally dispensed amphetamine-based drugs to patients.

The 35-count federal indictment announced Thursday also accuses 55-year-old Rakesh Anand and 51-year-old Meena Anand of Tinley Park of money laundering and tax fraud.

The U.S. attorney’s office says Rakesh Anand owned weight loss centers in Merrillville, Ind., and Lansing and Orland Park, Ill. His wife managed the two Illinois clinics.

The charges allege the couple dispensed drugs without consulting doctors.

Rakesh Anand told The Times of Munster that he wasn’t aware of the charges and tried to run the clinics honestly.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $6.3 million. The charges against the couple carry maximum penalties of five to 10 years in prison if convicted.