Lawyer for accused “pill mill” doctor says he’s innocent

RENO, Nev. (AP) - The Latest on an investigation into an illegal prescription drug-trafficking ring in Reno (all times local):

3 p.m.

The lawyer for a Nevada doctor accused of writing illegal painkiller prescriptions that contributed to a Reno man’s death says he remains convinced Dr. Robert Rand will be cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners issued a 74-count malpractice complaint against Rand late Thursday accusing him of misconduct involving 18 patients.

The names of the patients were not disclosed so it’s not clear if one of them is the man who died, 33-year-old Michael Yenick.

Reno defense attorney John Ohlson said Friday he spoke with three representatives of the board on Thursday and was told the board was “under pressure” to issue the complaint.

Ohlson said in an email to The Associated Press that when he asked the board officials what they intend to do when Rand is acquitted of the criminal charges, he was “met with silence.”

Ohlson says that prior to his arrest last April, Rand had been operating a family practice for 15 years in Reno, treating thousands of patients regardless of whether they could pay for his services.

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The alleged leader of a deadly prescription painkiller ring that operated primarily out of a Reno car dealership he managed pleaded guilty Friday to drug conspiracy and possession charges.

Richard “Richie” West entered the plea in U.S. District Court a day after the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners filed a 74-count malpractice complaint against a Reno doctor accused of writing the illegal prescriptions.

West, 40, earlier pleaded innocent to multiple gun and drug charges. He pleaded guilty Friday to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone in exchange for all other charges being dropped. He faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing set for May 8 before U.S. District Judge Miranda Du in Reno.

West, Dr. Robert Rand and seven others were arrested last April on charges of illegally distributing narcotics after federal agents raided the Jones-West Ford dealership owned by West’s father.

Rand also faces one count of illegally distributing a controlled substance causing death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting a trial scheduled to begin April 25.