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Another Area Doctor and Assistant Charged with Writing Drug Prescriptions Illegally

By Kim Glovas

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (CBS) -- For the second time in two days, a suburban Philadelphia doctor and his receptionist have been charged with writing prescriptions for powerful drugs, without seeing patients.

This time it was in Delaware County, where district attorney Jack Whelan says Dr. Steven Friedman, 74, of Newtown Square and his receptionist, Margaret McGowan, 78, of Broomall, were arrested after a five-month investigation.

Whelan says the two face multiple counts of illegal administration and distribution, and criminal conspiracy.

According to Whelan, an undercover detective visited the doctor's office a number of times and asked for oxycodone and other prescriptions, and was given those prescriptions without any physical examination.

The investigation also shows that the doctor would tape prescriptions on his office door for Oxycontin, Ambien, Adderall, and other drugs.

Friedman and McGowan both surrendered to police. They were released on $500,000 unsecured bail each.  But the DA says he is uncertain if they will face much jail time.

"They are looking at significant penalties, but I'm sure the court will take into consideration their age," he told KYW Newsradio.

An arraignment for Friedman and McGowan is scheduled for next Thursday.

 

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