News

FBI searches 2 suburban pharmacies

Posted December 04, 2008 10:00 pm

Associated Press

JOLIET -- The FBI has searched two Joliet pharmacies owned by a fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

FBI spokesman Ross Rice said agents took records from Basinger's Pharmacy stores but declined to say what they were investigating. Rice said no arrests were made.

The pharmacies are owned by Harish Bhatt. Bhatt was investigated by Illinois State Police after Chicago pharmacy owner Jatin Patel claimed Bhatt encouraged him in 2005 to make a campaign contribution so his pharmacy would be treated fairly in a Medicaid fraud dispute. The investigation went nowhere.

Bhatt denied he exerted any improper influence and said the investigation ended because of a lack of evidence.

State police and federal corruption agents reopened the Bhatt investigation after claims the previous effort had been compromised.

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