SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A Spokane dentist has pleaded guilty to federal charges that he improperly prescribed painkillers.
50-year-old Dr. James Shelby pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of conspiring to distribute drugs and three counts of distributing hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose.
He was indicted on 31 counts of conspiracy and distribution of prescription drugs last June.
According to court documents, Shelby used the name of 36-year-old Timothy Felch for prescriptions that were given to another patient. Felch pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge last year.
Documents say that Shelby was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a patient who became addicted to pain medication.
Shelby wrote 41 prescriptions for more than 2,000 tablets for the patient using Felch’s name.
Shelby is scheduled to be sentenced May 15.