Indiana Doctor Pleads Not Guilty To All 8 Felony Charges

A Fort Wayne doctor accused of over-prescribing pain medications has pleaded not guilty to all eight of the felony charges against him.

William Hedrick was arrested earlier this month by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents following a five-month investigation by several local, state and federal agencies. He's accused of improperly prescribing controlled substances, including morphine, and engaging in forgery and fraud.

Prosecutors have charged Hedrick with Medicaid fraud, reckless prescribing and three counts each of registration offense and forgery.

Hedrick was forced to close a dozen Indiana Pain Center locations after the Medical Licensing Board in October suspended his medical license for allegedly over-prescribing pain medications. The board recently decided the license suspension will continue indefinitely.

Hedrick is scheduled to return to court on April 23 for a pre-trial conference.