Trumbull County dentist pleads guilty to drug charges

The former jail dentist deserves probation, his attorney says.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A prosecutor will recommend a former Trumbull County jail dentist, who pleaded guilty to several drug charges, serve a year in prison.
Dr. Anthony J. Montevideo, 35, appeared Wednesday before Judge W. Wyatt McKay of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal processing of drug documents, aggravated possession of drugs and deception to obtain a dangerous drug.
He will be sentenced after a background check is completed by the county adult probation department.
Chris Becker, assistant county prosecutor, said Montevideo could face up to five years in prison on all charges.
"It will be up to the judge to decide, but I will ask for a year of prison time," Becker said.
Atty. Phil Vigorito, Montevideo's lawyer, however, said his client deserves probation.
"His drug addiction started because he was placed on several medications due to his numerous medical conditions," Vigorito said.
Vigorito added that Montevideo has completed a drug rehabilitation program and is doing well. Montevideo also has voluntarily given up his license and his practice, Vigorito said.
"He is hoping to go back to college," Vigorito said.
Fake prescription
Girard police said Montevideo possessed or made a false or forged prescription for OxyContin, a powerful pain medication, and possessed the drug.
Girard Police Capt. Frank Bigowsky has said the investigation originated in November 2003 in Girard when a suspicious prescription was passed. Girard police called in federal agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
Montevideo was the jail dentist for 16 to 18 months, but his employment was terminated about 21/2 months before he was indicted, jail officials said.
The investigation also involved the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Dental Board and the county prosecutor's office, Bigowsky said.
sinkovich@vindy.com