ATLANTA (AP) – A former medical examiner for several metro Atlanta counties was at the center of an opioid ring, writing prescriptions for powerful pain pills in exchange for sexual favors and nude photos, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Dr. Joseph Burton faces charges of conspiring to distribute and dispense controlled substances and illegal drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Byung “BJay” Pak said at a news conference. As a consulting pathologist, Burton worked to determine the medical causes of disease and death. Over the years, he issued findings and gave testimony in many criminal cases, some of them highly publicized.
“Dr. Burton chose to sell his medical license, credibility and position of prominence as a premier subject matter expert for complex cases for sex,” Pak said.
Seven other people also face federal conspiracy charges, and Pak said nearly four dozen people have been arrested in connection with the opioid ring, many of them facing state charges.
Burton was previously indicted in October on illegal drug distribution charges, but a new indictment announced Thursday adds the conspiracy charges and seven co-defendants.