Show-Me State Times

U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming stated, “The conduct alleged in the indictment represents an exploitation of patients who were vulnerable because they had been treated by Dr. Spiegel since they were girls, because they were struggling with an addiction, or both, to satisfy a sexual desire.” Special Agent in Charge Linda Hanley of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) added, “Physicians who recklessly and illegitimately distribute controlled substances undermine critical efforts to battle the opioid crisis and betray their professional responsibility to serve the health and well-being of the public. As alleged, Dr. Spiegel took advantage of individuals struggling with addiction--some of them his former pediatric patients--all for his own personal gratification.” Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis of the Drug Enforcement Administration operations in Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois emphasized, “Reducing prescription drug misuse is vital to the health and welfare of the American people and is a priority we take seriously. When the medical practitioners Americans trust contribute to that misuse, DEA is obliged to investigate.”

FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Crocker commented, “The allegations laid forth in the federal indictment describe a heinous abuse of trust.” The investigation involved the Bridgeton Police Department, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

The charges against Dr. Spiegel include 17 counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances, six counts of making false statements related to health care matters, and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Dr. Spiegel and April Bingham were indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The indictment alleges that Dr. Spiegel exchanged controlled substance prescriptions for sexual acts or cash with at least 25 individuals.

Individuals with concerns about Dr. Spiegel were urged to contact HHS-OIG at 800-447-8477. The penalties for the charges include up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both for conspiracy and illegal distribution of controlled substances. Each charge of making false statements is punishable by five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The article concluded by stating, “Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting the case.