Ohio doctor to change plea in pain clinic case

Monday November 26, 2012 11:00 AM

CINCINNATI (AP) — 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 on 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.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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