Tuesday, November 27, 2012
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.