13 WTHR IndianapolisDoctor suspended over prescription abuse charges

Doctor suspended over prescription abuse charges

Updated:

INDIANAPOLIS - A central Indiana doctor who faces charges he excessively prescribed drugs and had sex with some of his female patients has been suspended pending the outcome of his criminal trial.

An Indiana attorney general's office spokeswoman says the state's Medical Licensing Board voted Thursday to suspend Dr. Ray Howell's license indefinitely.

The 57-year-old Roachdale physician was arrested last week on 15 felony counts, 12 of which accuse him of recklessly distributing a controlled substance.

At least three counts allege that Howell prescribed drugs "to facilitate sexual encounters" with female patients.

Howell has pleaded not guilty in a Putnam County court and announced his retirement from private practice.

The Associated Press left a phone message seeking comment from his defense attorney, Dennis Zahn.

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