Celebrity dermatologist charged in drug scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City dermatologist has been arrested and charged with writing fake prescriptions for painkillers using her patients’ names and filling them.

Dr. Cheryl Karcher pleaded not guilty Wednesday to drug possession, selling prescriptions, falsifying business records, fraud and other charges in a 50-count indictment.

Karcher is frequently quoted on television and in magazines on the latest cosmetic procedures and treatments.

Prosecutors say Karcher abused the patient-doctor relationship by using patient information to create fraudulent prescriptions and filling them.

The indictment didn’t say if she used the pills herself.

She allegedly filled at least 15 prescriptions between 2010 and 2012.

She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court Aug. 19.

Her lawyer vowed to fight the charges.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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