Case Update: Lancaster Doctor Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Prescribing

October 1, 2021 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that a Lancaster doctor previously charged with prescribing medications such as Xanax, Adderall, and Subutex outside his legal and ethical practice of medicine has pleaded guilty. Mathews has also given up his license to practice medicine.

“Today’s plea means that Robert Mathews will never again prescribe addictive medications that devastate lives and families in Lancaster County,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “We are committed to holding accountable anyone who puts others’ lives at risk.”

Dr. Mathews failed to prescribe controlled substances in accordance with accepted treatment principles. He also failed to keep accurate medical records supporting the high volume of controlled substances that he prescribed. During patient appointments, he failed to perform routine check-ups and instead prescribed addictive medications without consideration for the wellbeing of his patients.

Mathews pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Prescribing by a Practitioner in Lancaster County. He was sentenced to five years probation. This case was prosecuted by the OAG’s Director of Diversion Robert Smulktis and Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Deborah Greathouse.

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