McMurray Doctor Held for Trial in Federal Drug Case

A McMurray doctor charged in federal court with overprescribing two narcotics was held for trial Tuesday after his preliminary hearing in Pittsburgh, the U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed.

The Observer-Reporter is reporting, Dr. Oliver Herndon performed only one cursory physical examination at a total of six brief visits by undercover officers to his McMurray and West Mifflin/Pleasant Hills offices.

All left with prescriptions for oxycodone and Opana in dosages that were said to have exceeded those normally given to cancer patients, the newspaper reports.

On Jan. 17 at 6:51 a.m., surveillance shows Herndon's medical suite in Peters Township filled with patients.

The newspaper reports an agent testified before Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy that pharmacists had raised concerns about the large amounts of painkillers and powerful dosages. 

It is reported that 87 pharmacists had stopped filling prescriptions from Herndon.

In February, federal law enforcement officials—including the Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI— at Herndon's office at 1000 Waterdam Plaza, exactly one week after a at his office.

What resulted was the suspension of the doctor's DEA registration, Pittsburgh DEA assistant special agent Gary Davis had said.

Herndon was charged March 9 with overprescribing narcotics. He remains free on bail, according to the Observer-Reporter.