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Doctor, Teacher, Corrections Officer Charged In Prescription Drug Ring

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A prescription drug ring is allegedly traced back to an area podiatrist.

He's accused of shelling out thousands of pills over a two-year period.

The Uniontown podiatrist told investigators when they first nabbed him, "I have a problem. I'm embarrassed and hurting. I knew this was coming."

All of that was in the paperwork filed by the Attorney General's office.

Dr. William Todd Ainsley and six of his patients were in court Monday. Their ring was being described as a painkiller scheme.

According to investigators, Ainsley prescribed more than 20,000 painkillers to his patients in a two-year period. Investigators allege the patients used some of the pills and as part of the arrangement, Ainsley used the rest.

In the group appearing in court Monday on drug charges, was a school teacher and a corrections officer.

Patients told investigators Ainsley prescribed their pills for foot and ankle pain and made them give him half of the pills back in return.

KDKA was able to talk to his attorney, who had just taken the case.

"Our office is going to represent Dr. Ainsley," said attorney Jeremy Davis. "He's a respected member of our community. We are going to take our representation of him from this day forward, move forward with him in this case."

Dr. Ainsley, of North Union Township, is charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy and several other charges.

The others face numerous charges, including possession with intent to deliver.

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