TRIAL BEGINS FOR DOCTORS CHARGED IN DRUG CASE

FLORENCE -- The trial for the remaining three Myrtle Beach physicians
charged along with five others in a multi-count federal indictment
involving the distribution of OxyContin began Monday in Florence.

Michael Jackson, 55, Deborah Bordeaux, 50, and Ricardo Alerre, 72, are on
trial for illegal drug distribution, health care fraud and money laundering.

Seven physicians and a non-physician employee were charged with conspiring
to distribute and distributing controlled substances outside of the usual
course of medical practice and for other than legitimate medical purposes
while working at Comprehensive Care and Pain Management centers in Myrtle
Beach. They were accused of dispensing Schedule II and III controlled
substances including Hydrocodone, Percocet, Lortab, Valium, Xanax and
Oxycodone in the form of OxyContin, which were not medically necessary.

It is also alleged that in excess of $5 million was received as a result of
the sale of controlled substances outside the usual course of medical
practice and from the payments made by health care benefit programs.

Jackson, Bordeaux, and Alerre are the only members of the alleged crime
ring not to have entered guilty pleas since being named in the 93-count
indictment in September.

Alleged co-conspirators Windy Bullard Suggs, 37, and Deborah B. Sutherland,
52, both pleaded guilty to lesser charges in recent weeks. David Woodward,
45, -- who prosecutors believe was the ring leader of the group -- pleaded
guilty to charges of illegal drug distribution, money laundering and health
care fraud.

Former physicians Thomas P. Devlin, 60, and Venkata Pulivarthi, 42, pleaded
guilty to lesser charges in December.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, OxyContin is intended
for use in the treatment of chronic moderate to severe pain.

OxyContin contains a large amount of active ingredient compared to other
narcotic products. It is even sometimes referred to as "poor man's heroin,"
despite the high price it commands at the street level. A 100-tablet bottle
purchased for $400 at a retail pharmacy can sell for $2,000 to $4,000
illegally.