Michael L. Cummings, Illegal Distribution of Controlled Substances, Kentucky 2014

A Clinton County doctor has been charged with the illegal distribution of controlled substances that led to the deaths of three patients, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.

Michael L. Cummings, 61, of Albany, Kentucky, was charged with 18 counts of knowingly and intentionally dispensing Schedule II, Schedule III, and Schedule IV controlled substances (pain killers) to six patients, without a medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice, and resulting in the deaths of three patients.

The indictment alleges that Cummings prescribed controlled substances to patients in Clinton County, without a medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice, beginning in May 2012 and continuing through March 2014.

In one instance, Cummings allegedly dispensed and distributed 120 Oxycodone 20 mg pills and 60 Oxycontin 40 mg pills, Schedule II controlled substances, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice, which resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of S.F. on or about April 7, 2014.

Additionally, Cummings is charged with dispensing and distributing hydrocodone/acetaminophen 325 mg/10 mg pills, a Schedule III controlled substance, to S.C. without a legitimate medical purpose, and outside the course of professional medical practice, resulting in the serious bodily injury and death of S.C. on or about April 2, 2014.

On May 19, 2014, Cummings dispensed and distributed 120 hydrocodone/acetaminophen 325 mg/10 mg pills, a Schedule III controlled substance, to P.G. without a legitimate medical purpose, and outside the course of professional medical practice, resulting in the serious bodily injury and death of P.G. on or about June 3, 2014.

If convicted at trial, Cummings could be sentenced to no less than 20 years in prison and up to and including a term of life in prison, fined $3,250,000 and serve a five-year period of supervised release.

The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Weiser and is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations West Branch.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The alleged crimes occurred in Clinton County, Kentucky, and resulted in the deaths of three patients.

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