Medical board suspends license of doctor accused of trading pills for sex

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Dr. Tristan Stonger’s medical license have been suspended after he was charged and accused of trading pills for sex .

According to a release, the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana announced Stonger’s suspension in a hearing Thursday morning.

The board approved an agreement between Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s Office and Dr. Tristan Stonger to immediately suspend his physician’s license to practice medicine in the State of Indiana. The agreement was due to allegations of unsafe controlled substance prescribed by Stonger and sexual relationships with patients.

“The allegations that this license holder used his position of trust and authority to exploit vulnerable patients and possibly feed their addictions poses an immediate threat to public health and safety,” Attorney General Zoeller said. “The Board’s action today will protect patients while the criminal charges against him are pending and my office completes its licensing investigation, meanwhile we must support the patients who may also be vulnerable.”

During the hearing Thursday, the Board approved the suspension agreement, suspending Stonger’s license while the criminal charges are pending and until further order of the Board.

The release said if the Attorney General’s office files a formal administrative licensing complaint against Stonger, the Board would then decide the proper disciplinary action, which includes further license suspension, fines or revocation.

Stonger was arrested Monday and is facing six felony charges:

• dealing in a narcotic drug (level two felony)
• dealing in a schedule II controlled substance (level six felony)
• dispensing a legend drug illegally (level six felony)
• dealing in a narcotic drug (level two felony)
• dealing in a narcotic drug (level five felony)
• dealing in a schedule II controlled substance (level six felony)

Stonger also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance for medication that was found on him at the time of his arrest.