KMAN News has learned that Michael Schuster, the Manhattan Physician who was indicted on four federal charges of prescribing illegal medications to active duty Ft. Riley soldiers has entered a plea of not guilty. The plea was entered Tuesday afternoon during a hearing in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Sebelius. The following is the story from our partners at the Associated Press:
A Kansas doctor has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges, including illegally distributing prescription drugs out of his Manhattan medical clinic.
Fifty-three-year-old Michael Schuster, of Manhattan, was indicted last week on multiple counts alleging he operated a pill mill from his clinic. Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of money and property.
Schuster entered his plea Tuesday after being read the charges by U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Sebelius in Topeka.
The indictment alleges that from April 2007 until at least August 2012, Schuster engaged in a scheme to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. He’s accused of directing and allowing staff members to dispense controlled substances in his absence, using blank, signed prescription pads he left behind while traveling.
A detention hearing for Schuster will be continued Thursday.
Check back later this evening for more on this developing story.
