Dead Man’s Scripts: Dr. Biddle Sentenced in Drug Fraud

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A once-respected pain doctor is facing the consequences of a chilling scheme. Dr. Paul Biddle, 54, of Amherst, NY, was sentenced to two years probation today by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford after being convicted of identity theft and possession of unlawful hydromorphone HCL. The case exposes a disturbing breach of trust within the medical community and a callous disregard for the law.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who prosecuted the case, Biddle wasn’t just any doctor. He was an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist *also* operating a medical marijuana practice. But behind the veneer of legitimate practice, he was preying on the deceased. Between February 9, 2015, and October 16, 2017, Biddle systematically exploited the identities of two patients who were already gone.

The scheme was brazen. Biddle knowingly prescribed controlled substances *to dead people*. He used their names and dates of birth to fraudulently obtain hydromorphone HCL for his own use. After one patient’s death, he penned 10 prescriptions under their name between November 21, 2016, and October 16, 2017. All were filled by a pharmacy in Tampa, FL, and shipped directly to Biddle’s home or office. The audacity didn’t stop there. Following the death of the second patient, he wrote a staggering 23 prescriptions using their information between February 9, 2015, and August 7, 2017 – again, shipped to his locations.

This wasn’t about treating patients; it was about feeding a personal dependency. The investigation, a multi-agency effort, revealed that Biddle was obtaining these prescriptions and diverting the drugs for his own consumption. The collaborative effort involved Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led by Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Western New York Healthcare Fraud Task Force, under Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the New York State Department of Financial Services, led by Superintendent Linda Lacewell; Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, under Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Lampert; and the Amherst Police Department, under Chief John Askey.

While the two-year probation sentence may seem lenient, federal authorities hope it sends a clear message: exploiting the identities of the deceased and abusing the prescription system will not be tolerated. The case highlights the ongoing battle against opioid abuse and the lengths some individuals will go to satisfy their addiction, even if it means desecrating the memory of those who have passed.

This investigation remains open, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow any potential developments. The question remains: was this an isolated incident, or are there other instances of medical professionals abusing their positions of trust? We’ll be digging deeper to find out. CONTACT: Barbara Burns, PHONE: (716) 843-5817, FAX #: (716) 551-3051.