Alabama doctor loses license after being charged with human trafficking

Janaki Earla, MD, 59, of Trussville, Alabama was arrested on charges of human trafficking. He is an internist at Wellness Medical Center in Trussville.

As a result of the arrest, the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission held an emergency meeting and suspended Earla’s medical license. 

Earla allegedly offered to be a “sugar daddy” to a 17-year-old patient. He had also sent sexually explicit text messages, according to multiple local news outlets. The patient involved law enforcement, which set up a date for Earla to meet the patient at a hotel undercover. 

Upon arriving at the location with alcohol and condoms, Earla was arrested by officers. He is charged with first-degree human trafficking. 

Earla also allegedly inappropriately touched the patient during an exam, the patient’s mother told police. 

“This is necessary in the interest of patient safety,” William Perkins, executive director of the Board of Medical Examiners, told AL.com. “The Board’s petition will be considered by the Medical Licensure Commission, which adjudicates formal charges brought against physicians and determines the appropriate disciplinary resolution.”

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Amy Baxter

Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."

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