State Courts

Belot: Schneiders owe victims $115 million

By Ron Sylvester

A former Haysville doctor and his wife owe more than $115 million to victims of their “pill mill,” according to a federal judge’s order filed late this afternoon.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot acknowledged in his ruling that Stephen and Linda Schneider will never be able to repay the debt. But the judge said the law requires him to order restitution.

A jury convicted the couple last summer of illegally prescribing pain killers and other crimes linked to the overdose deaths of 68 patients. In October, Belot sentenced Stephen Schneider to 30 years, and Linda Schneider to 33 years, and the government has seized all their remaining assets.

Belot ordered restitution for claims made by 117 insurance companies and former patients. The claims ranged from $300 by one insurance company to $50 million by a former patient.

Full post as published by What the Judge Ate for Breakfast on January 12, 2011 (boomark / email).