Pubdate: Fri, 10 Nov 2006
Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI)
Copyright: 2006 The Traverse City Record-Eagle
Contact:  http://www.record-eagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336
Author: Victor Skinner
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.

Doctor's Office Searched

STRING OF DRUG OVERDOSES BEING INVESTIGATED

Federal and county authorities searched the office of a local doctor
as part of a nearly two-year investigation into a string of drug
overdoses in three different counties.

Emmet, Charlevoix and Cheboygan sheriff's departments and the federal
Drug Enforcement Agency searched the Harbor Springs business of Dr.
[name and age redacted] shortly before the walk-in clinic opened Tuesday
morning, said Emmet County Sheriff Peter Wallin and Cheboygan Sheriff
Dale Clarmont.

Officials sought evidence that the Emmet County doctor over-prescribed
pain medications that may have led to a recent increase in drug
overdoses in the three-county region, Wallin said. Three detectives --
one from each county -- have been investigating the cause of the
overdoses since last year, said Charlevoix County Sheriff George T.
Lasater.

"We have a lot of documentation and also statements from citizens of
the three-county area," Lasater said.

[name redacted] has an active medical license and no pending complaints on his
record, said officals with the Michigan Department of Community Health.

The DEA joined the investigation within the last three months when it
became apparent federal charges could be involved, Lasater said.

"When you have something of this magnitude, we generally bring the
feds in," Wallin said.

All three sheriffs declined to comment on the number of overdoses
involved or what kinds of medications allegedly were
over-prescribed.

Wallin said the investigation is ongoing but he expects an arrest
soon. If arrested, [name redacted] would be taken to Grand Rapids where the
federal charges would be handled by the U.S. District Attorney's
office, Wallin said.

The U.S. District Attorney's Office could not be reached for
comment.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake