Trial to begin for physician tied to guitarist’s overdose
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Jurors will begin hearing arguments Friday against an Alabama physician accused of prescribing drugs that killed a rock guitarist in 2016.
Dr. Richard Snellgrove is accused of unlawful distribution of drugs and health care fraud in a case tied to the overdose death of 3 Doors Down guitarist Matthew Roberts.
An indictment alleges Snellgrove kept prescribing fentanyl and other drugs even though Snellgrove knew Roberts had been to rehab and was addicted.
The 38-year-old Roberts was found dead in a hotel near Milwaukee before a scheduled charity concert.
Jurors in Mobile are already selected for a federal trial which could last two weeks.
Snellgrove faces up to 240 years in prison and up to $2.8 million in fines if convicted.
Roberts’ family is suing Snellgrove and others in a civil lawsuit.
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