PA doctor charged with falsifying records to divert fentanyl and Dilaudid

Harrisburg, Pa. — A doctor who practiced at medical facilities in Columbia and Berks counties has been charged with diverting fentanyl and Dilaudid by falsifying records and reports.

Richard Lemaster Hubbell, 60, worked as an anesthesiologist at Berwick Hospital in Columbia County, and the Pennsylvania Eye and Ear Surgical Center in Berks County, according to charges. Investigators said Hubbell was diverting the controlled substances by falsifying records to show the drugs were administered to patients — some who did not even require them.

“This defendant took an oath to protect his patients and he abused his position of power to divert hundreds and hundreds of doses of potentially lethal substances,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said.

During a search at Hubbell’s home on Long Run Road in Drums, Pa., agents found hundreds of used and unused vials and syringes containing the two opioids, the news release said.

He faces 32 felony counts of acquisition or obtaining possession of a controlled substance and related misdemeanors, according to the PA Attorney General's Office.

Court documents show Hubbell's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 4 in Luzerne County Central Court. He was given unsecured bail of $150,000 with electronic monitoring.

Docket sheet