Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jul 2001
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2001 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area
Author: Johnny Edwards

PEDIATRICIAN CHARGED IN DRUG DISTRIBUTION

An Augusta pediatrician charged with illegally distributing prescription 
painkillers surrendered to authorities at the Richmond County jail 
Wednesday. Tito Carlos Sobrinho, 64, of Conifer Court, faces felony counts 
of distribution of meperidine and distribution of Vicodin.

Meperidine is the generic name for Demerol. Vicodin made headlines recently 
when Friends star Matthew Perry admitted an addiction to the drug and 
checked himself into a rehabilitation center.

Richmond County District Attorney Danny Craig said he did not know the 
details of the case, but he said it might involve the doctor prescribing 
the drugs to women, possibly in their 20s.

"Our investigation showed he did not have the authority under these 
circumstances," Mr. Craig said.

Dr. Sobrinho has a practice on J. Dewey Gray Circle. He is also affiliated 
with some local hospitals, including Doctors Hospital, spokeswoman Ginger 
Tyra said.

A woman who answered the phone at his residence Wednesday night said he had 
an emergency call at the hospital and was not home. According to the jail, 
he had not bonded out at the time.
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MAP posted-by: Beth