Crime & Safety
Montco Doc Illegally Prescribed Opioids, Was Paid Cash: Feds
The doctor prescribed huge quantities of dangerously addictive opioids, and was paid handily — up to $500 per prescription, officials said.
GLENSIDE, PA — A Glenside doctor illegally prescribed opioids on numerous occasions and then lied on his taxes, underreporting nearly a quarter million dollars in revenue, according to authorities.
Stephen Padnes, 77, was arrested and charged recently. He also faces two civil lawsuits for damages, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
The incidents occurred between Dec. 21, 2015 and June 29, 2016, officials said.
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Padnes allegedly wrote seven prescriptions for huge quantities of oxycodone and methadone for no valid medical purpose. Patients in turn paid him up to $500 cash.
From 2012 to 2014, Padnes also underreported the income earned by his medical practice, the Psychosomatic Medicine and Pain Rehabilitation Center Inc. in center city Philadelphia, by more than 700,000, according to authorities.
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If convicted, Padnes faces a maximum of 149 years behind bars and more than $7 million in penalties.
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