Doctor pleads not guilty in dealing of narcotics

A Utah doctor indicted on multiple counts of dealing narcotics, leading to the deaths of at least five of his patients, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday.

Warren R. Stack, whose license has been suspended, appeared in federal court with his attorney, Ron Yengich, to enter his plea to 18 counts, including conspiracy, health care fraud and distributing a controlled substance leading to death.

Stack, along with office assistants Mindy L. Kramer and Phyllis V. Murray, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury. According to the indictment, Stack would see as many as 80 patients a day to prescribe narcotic painkillers. He would charge $70 to $200 per patient visit, while Kramer and Murray would bill health insurance plans for medical examinations that never took place. Prosecutors estimate Stack's office pulled in $750,000 in proceeds.

While several patients died, prosecutors say the deaths of five patients clearly were linked to Stack's prescribed medications.

Authorities say some had referred to Stack as "The Candy Man." Investigators said Stack's operation has left a trail of drug addicts who must rebuild their lives.

In court Monday, Stack entered his plea but said little else. U.S. District Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba ruled Stack will remain on release, but he will set conditions of that release during a hearing next Friday.

Federal prosecutors said they would not seek detention, mainly because they do not consider Stack a danger to the community now that his license has been suspended and he no longer can prescribe medications.

If convicted, Stack faces multiple 20-year mandatory sentences, in addition to other 10- to 20-year sentences.

Federal prosecutors said they have enough evidence to fill a bookshelf on Stack and will supply Yengich with the discovery by Friday.

Yengich said his client denies the allegations, but said that he could not comment further.

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