Doctor Charged with Causing Five Opioid Overdose Deaths
Dr. Raymond Kraynak, 60, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, was arrested on Dec. 21 for allegedly causing the deaths of five patients by illegally prescribing opioids. Kraynak wrote “scripts” for approximately 2.7 million doses of oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl in a period of less than two years.
2,838 patients turned to Kraynak, and in many cases, it was to fuel their addiction. The U.S. Department of Justice released an official statement on the matter.
Kraynak faces 19 charges: five counts for the illegal distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, and 12 counts of prescribing drugs outside of the legal boundaries of his professional practice, and two counts of maintaining drug-involved practices in his offices. The U.S. government is seeking the forfeiture of two of his medical offices, his medical license and $500,000.
“The sheer number of pills prescribed in this case is staggering,” US Attorney David Freed said in a statement. “Death or serious injury was the inevitable result of this defendant’s conduct.” An investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, lasted over a year. Kraynak’s offices were finally raided on March 23, 2016.
The charges against the former Mount Carmel Area School District board member are serious. Kraynak, if convicted, could face a mandatory 20 years to life in prison for each of the five counts resulting in death. On top of that, 14 of the other charges could carry 20 year sentences each.
Opioids killed more Americans in 2016 than the entirety of the Vietnam War. Many addicts begin with the legitimate need for opioids, but end up getting hooked. Cannabis can be a substitute for patients looking to replace or reduce opioid use.
The charges, more commonly used against heroin dealers, are being filed more in cases of opioid abuse or misconduct.
