Doctor accused of over-prescribing gets racketeering charges

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – Racketeering charges have been filed against a Fort Wayne doctor accused of over-prescribing pain medications to patients.

The Star Press reports the new charges were filed in late February against Dr. William Hedrick. He was already facing charges of Medicaid fraud, reckless prescribing and three counts each of registration offense and forgery.

Authorities say eight patients who died of drug overdoses got prescriptions from either Hedrick or one of his nurse practitioners. His Muncie office was raided by authorities in October.

Delaware County Deputy Prosecutor Zach Craig says an effort to seize Hedrick’s assets through a racketeering lawsuit will wait until the new criminal charges are resolved.

A message seeking comment was left with an attorney listed as representing Hedrick.