Maumee cardiologist accused of illegally writing presciptions entered a plea to eight felony counts

THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH
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Dr. Barry DeRan during a plea bargain hearing in Judge Zmuda's courtroom today at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo, Ohio.

A former Maumee cardiologist accused of illegally distributing prescription pain medicine entered a plea to eight felony counts today in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Barry P. DeRan, 55, of Lambertville, pleaded guilty to four counts each of trafficking in drugs and attempted trafficking in drugs.

The plea agreement approved by Judge Gene Zmuda calls for the doctor to surrender his state medical license. He was indicted in November, 2012 on 15 counts each of aggravated possession of drugs and aggravated trafficking in drugs.

The case was investigated by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy, which, with the help of law enforcement, searched the doctor’s home and office in March, 2012.

DeRan admitted in court that he improperly prescribed pain medication to people he knows or those referred to him on multiple times in 2009.

He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 11.