Indiana doctor faces prescription abuse charges

GREENCASTLE, Ind. — A central Indiana physician faces charges that he excessively prescribed narcotics and had sexual relations with some of his patients.

Ray D. Howell of Roachdale was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into his dispensing of controlled substances. The Banner Graphic of Greencastle reports that he faces 15 felony counts, 12 of which accuse Howell of recklessly distributing or dispensing a controlled substance.

At least three counts allege the excessive amounts of drugs Howell prescribed were written “to facilitate sexual encounters” with female patients. One patient Howell allegedly made a pass at told investigators he wrote her so many medications she felt like “a walking zombie.”

Howell was jailed pending a court hearing. The Putnam County prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately know whether he had an attorney.