Doctor sentenced for trading pills for sex

A federal judge has sentenced a 40-year-old suburban doctor to nearly six years in prison for using a classified-ad site to trade prescription pills for sex.

Joshua D. Baron apologized at Tuesday's sentencing in Chicago and blamed what he called "demons" of sexual addiction.

But Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer told the Forest Park man he'd abused the trust afforded to him as a doctor to prey on vulnerable women.

Government filings say the pediatric neurologist placed ads on Craig's List offering pills for sex and requesting photos of respondents. He later emailed hospital website links to prove he was a physician.

Over four years, prosecutors say Baron offered 1,800 Norco pills, 1,700 Xanax pills and other prescription medication to 16 women.

He must report to prison by Sept. 12.