At least two Bakersfield medical facilities are under a federal microscope. FBI agents raided at least two doctor's offices and one doctor's home early Tuesday morning.
While the FBI won't tell us what they're doing, we were told by a hospital source they're searching through medical records.
"It was one of those thing like is this real?," said Adam Rendon, a patient at Valley Medical Group.
About 9 a.m. Rendon walked into the Valley Medical Group and Diabetic Center.
"It's been a while since I had been to the doctor, regular check-up," said Rendon.
But, Rendon would never get his appointment.
"Next thing you know it turns into this huge fest of FBI people," said Rendon.
Rendon said the FBI closed off the building.
"He came in and said we're here to execute a search warrant," said Rendon. "Half of them were outside, and cars were surrounding the place."
According to Rendon, patients were asked to leave, staff was asked to stay and shut down the clinic while they searched.
"I tried to ask questions as to what was going on, but there were no answers," said Rendon.
FBI Public Affairs Specialist Gina Swankie said this raid was one of several across the city Tuesday. One at Valley Medical Group, another at the home of Dr. Carlos Alvarez, a doctor at Valley Medical Group. Alvarez is also a regular contributor to our sister station Telemundo.
Another raid took place at Dr. Hemmel Kothary's office in the High Grove Medical Center.
"We were alerted by our internal security that they were here on campus, and after that we don't know a lot of details at this point," said Jimmy Phillips, San Joaquin Community Hospital spokesperson.
The FBI said the reason for the search is sealed which is standard protocol. But, Phillips said agents are searching through medical records.
Our calls to Dr. Kothary were not returned.
Dr. Alvarez, representing Valley Medical Group, told 17 News he would speak to us on camera once he had permission from his attorney.
