Pubdate: Wed, 23 Apr 2003
Source: Daily Independent, The (KY)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dailyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1573
Author: Dewey Lemaster
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

DOCTOR DESERVED A LONG SENTENCE

Our family read the front page story in The Daily Independent on the doctor 
in Lewis County being sentenced to 20 years in prison for prescribing 
controlled substances for illegitimate causes. The jury has made an 
important statement here about doctors pushing dope in their medical 
practices. We know good doctors are sometimes justified in prescribing 
hydrocodone and Xanax, but this doctor was just giving it out like candy to 
a long line of poor souls who were hooked on it.

Most importantly, we want to say that we appreciate Circuit Judge Lewis 
Nicholls honoring the jury verdict and not giving the doctor probation. To 
give probation would be just a slap on the wrist for what was done.

We understand that Judge Nicholls is doing a great deal to help the victims 
of this and other bad doctors get off these drugs and help them lead 
productive lives through his program called Drug Court. But there should be 
no breaks given to medically trained doctors who are killing our youth with 
these "legal drugs." That's why our hats go off to Judge Nicholls on his 
decision not to grant probation. We need more judges like that.

Dewey Lemaster

Flatwoods
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