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Local Doctor Pleads Guilty In Prescription Drug Case

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A local doctor pleaded guilty in court Tuesday morning as part of a plea deal after being accused of illegally distributing prescription drugs.

Dr. Oliver Herndon pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and illegal distribution of a controlled substance charges Tuesday morning.

He did not say anything as he left the courthouse.

As part of the plea deal, he is facing nine to 11 years in jail after admitting he prescribed drugs such as oxycodone freely.

Herndon moved his practice from West Mifflin to Peters Township. At one point, some drug stores refused to fill his prescriptions.

One family that came to the hearing was that of Ira Gray Jr., 23, of Wilkinsburg, who died last year.

According to Gray's family, he went to Herndon for treatment after being injured in a car accident. Herndon prescribed oxycodone without regard to Gray's medical history.

"I was so relieved to see that some justice is coming out of this. At least he's off the street now. I'm glad he's going to have some kind of jail term," Gray's mother, Patricia Bogle said.

Herndon will be formally sentenced in September.

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