Pubdate: Mon,  5 Jan 2004
Source: Daily Camera (CO)
Copyright: 2004 The Daily Camera.
Contact:  http://www.thedailycamera.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/103
Author: Associated Press

CHARGE AGAINST LIMBAUGH RARELY USED

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Palm Beach County prosecutors investigating Rush 
Limbaugh for his prescription drug use have filed "doctor shopping" charges 
against only one person in the past five years, according to a review of 
court records.

Limbaugh's attorney said the review by The Palm Beach Post in Saturday's 
editions offers more evidence that the conservative radio commentator is 
being unfairly targeted.

"Rush Limbaugh has been singled out for special prosecution because of who 
he is," Roy Black said in a written statement provided to the newspaper. 
"We believe the state attorney's office is applying a double standard." 
State Attorney Barry Krischer denied Limbaugh was unfairly targeted, 
saying, "whether Mr. Limbaugh is subject to prosecution for any crimes is 
still under investigation."

Investigators obtained Limbaugh's medical records in November after 
discovering he received more than 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four 
doctors, at a pharmacy near his home. Limbaugh's former maid told 
investigators she had been supplying him prescription painkillers for years.

Limbaugh's attorneys had argued that the seizure of the medical records 
violated their client's privacy and that the investigation was politically 
motivated. He recently admitted his addiction, saying it stemmed from 
severe back pain, and took a five-week leave from his afternoon radio show 
to enter a rehabilitation program.

The Palm Beach Post review found only one case in which the county filed 
charges of illegally acquiring overlapping prescriptions. The defendant 
died before trial.

Doctor shopping, punishable by up to five years in prison, is duping at 
least two doctors into prescribing the same controlled substance in a 
30-day period.

Two other doctor shopping cases were transferred from other counties and 
prosecuted in Palm Beach County, the newspaper found. One woman was 
convicted and received 18 months probation; another case has not yet gone 
to trial.

A telephone message left Saturday at Black's offices was not immediately 
returned.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens