10:06am: Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval

Former HOPE Clinic doctor pleads guilty to prescription fraud

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A half-dozen medical professionals have now pleaded guilty to charges in connection with illegal prescriptions prescribed from the Charleston-based HOPE Clinic following a Monday guilty plea.

Dr. William Earley, 63, of South Carolina, pleaded guilty to distributing oxycodone without a legitimate medical purpose at the now closed pain clinic.

U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart

“Earley is the latest drug dealer in a lab coat to plead guilty to charges brought by my office,” U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart said in a Monday evening news release. “In fact, six medical providers have pled guilty to date as a result of the investigation into HOPE Clinic’s prescribing practices.”

Earley admitted to prescribing 20 Percocet 10mg/325mg pills and 60 Oxycodone 10 mg pills to a patient on April 24, 2014, to a patient who had failed four drug tests and who had reported his medication stolen. Stuart said Earley did not talk with the patient about drug addiction and didn’t give him a physical exam.

Earley is scheduled to be sentenced May 11. He’ll face up to 10 years in prison.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm