Community demands full investigation of Southwest Dental Group fraud allegations

A complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney stated that Dr. Javad Aghaloo is tied to several cases where Imperial Valley patients got procedures they didn’t expect. Now the community is concerned.

Local resident Wendy Luevano said, “Shame on them. It’s disappointing to know that they can do that and get away with it. And hopefully they’re not going to get away with it.”
The complaint said patients felt pressured. Some residents said they’ve fallen victim to this kind of pressure from other dentists.

“I’ve experienced it somewhere else where it was a procedure done on me that did not need to be done, because I went to another place that told me this did not need – it was done for no reason,” Luevano said.

El Centro resident Francisco Villaescuza said, “You have to speak up. You have to make your voice heard.”

They want stricter guidelines that would apply to all dentists.

“I’m sure it happens more than just here, but they can’t get away with it. I’m glad they got caught,” Luevano said.

Donald Scoville, a local retired attorney, said that in massive fraud cases, authorities usually go after the property of those involved before filing a criminal complaint.

“If this matter has to go on further, in all probability there will be criminal charges filed against the dentist and his corporation. And, in all probability, if the criminal case is proven these assets will be kept by the government,” Scoville said.

Authorities have seized a 2017 BMW car and over $1.5 million from bank accounts belonging to Dr. Aghaloo.

“The doctor is facing some very, very serious charges. He is facing going to jail,” Scoville said.
“Now I’m more cautious. And I make sure that what needs to be done is what needs to be done,” Luevano said.

Dr. Aghaloo has not been criminally charged or arrested in connection to this case.