An Elko cardiologist is facing up to 20 years and a million dollar fine, after pleading guilty to distributing prescription drugs Oxycodone and Hydrocodone to patients without a medical purpose, for financial gain, according to U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson. 59-year-old Dr. Devendra I. Patel, who owns and operates Northeastern Nevada Cardiology, was indicted by a grand jury in December 2017. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks has accepted the guilty plea. His license was suspected when he was arrested.