Ohio doctor to change plea in pain-clinic case

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

An Ohio doctor charged with illegal drug distribution is changing his plea in a case related to the alleged improper dispensing of prescription painkillers.

An indictment earlier this year alleged that dozens of customers a week would travel hundreds of miles to visit the clinics in southern and central Ohio and pay $200 per visit for painkillers.

A federal judge in Cincinnati has scheduled a change of plea hearing Dec. 14 for Stephen Pierce, one of six doctors charged in the case.

A change of plea hearing typically signals that a defendant is about to plead guilty.

The 63-year-old Pierce pleaded not guilty to all charges in May.

A message was left with Pierce’s attorney Monday seeking comment.