Pharmacist arrested in fraud investigation

David W. Rastocky, 44, of La Crescenta was arrested near his home last week on a warrant that charged him with 22 counts of insurance fraud, identity theft and grand theft.

Authorities with Ventura County Sheriff's Department, working with the county district attorney's office, conducted on Aug. 9 search warrants at Rastocky's home, at Lombard Pharmacy in Thousand Oaks and at another home in Van Nuys.

When arrested, Rastocky had in his possession a loaded handgun and drugs, according to police.

Authorities had conducted a three-month investigation that stemmed from claims that Rastocky was allegedly involved in fraudulently billing insurance companies for prescriptions that were never filled from his pharmacy in the 2200 block of Lynn Road.

Narcotics, suspected of being diverted through bogus prescriptions, were found at Rastocky's home in La Crescenta. Law officers also found handguns, a

shotgun and about $175,000 in cash. Also seized were a luxury car, a sports car and jewelry, items that were believed to have been purchased with illegal assets.

Police said the victims of fraud and identify theft were insurance companies and local physicians, medical groups and patients.

The FBI, the U.S. Postal Service, the California Board of Pharmacy and the state attorney general's office assisted in the investigation.