LA Doctor, 81, Charged In Massive RX Drug Ring

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An 81-year-old Southland doctor was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday for charges related to his alleged participation in a massive prescription drug, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said.

Dr. Clyde Arnold was arrested Wednesday on 27 counts of prescribing without a legitimate medical purpose and four counts of conspiracy.

A 48-count felony complaint was filed on Oct. 8 stating that that individuals would go to Arnold's clinic and receive multiple prescriptions for the maximum amount of oxycodone permitted by prescription, along with anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxants and prescription cough syrup.

Patients would then fill the prescriptions at local pharmacies and resell the pills on the street, prosecutors said.

The alleged crimes took place between December 2012 and January 2013.

If convicted, Arnold faces 22 in jail.

The District Attorney's office has filed similar charges against five other people.