Santa Ana, Orange County - Doctor Julio Diaz pleaded not guilty to prescribing large quantities of painkillers without a medical purpose in federal court on Monday.
Federal authorities allege Dr. Diaz supplied OxyContin, Vicodin and other painkillers to patients with no legitimate need for the powerful narcotics at his Santa Barbara office, and authorities allege some patients diverted the pills to the black market or suffered fatal overdoses.
Santa Ana attorney Michael L. Guisti is representing Dr. Diaz and stresses that his client has not been charged in any fatal overdoses.
Dr. Diaz's trial is scheduled for March 13 at the United States District Court Central District of California at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in Santa Ana.
Attorney Guisti has told the media the allegations are unfounded, and that is his client will be found not guilty on all charges.
