When he wasn't caring for patients at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Wash., anesthesiologist Eric J. Smith, MD, apparently busied himself with human trafficking and pimping prostitutes from Thailand in nearby upscale condominiums and apartments.

Federal authorities arrested Dr. Smith last week, according to a report, accusing him of charging $200 for hour-long sexual encounters with the women, some of whom were trafficked to America.

The authorities reportedly zeroed in on Dr. Smith's illicit activities in the tony Seattle suburb when he used ATMs to deposit thousands of dollars in cash per day, totaling nearly $500,000 from 2012 to 2013, into a dedicated account at a local credit union. Some of the cash was sent to Thailand to pay off debts the women owed, according to the report.

Officials from Overlake Medical Center distanced themselves from Dr. Smith in a statement released last week, emphasizing he's employed by Matrix Anesthesia. The officials say Dr. Smith took a voluntary leave of absence from Matrix and is no longer practicing at the hospital. They also claim his actions did not impact patient care.

Dr. Smith has yet to be charged. A representative from Matrix did not immediately return a request for comment.

Daniel Cook