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The Canton-Potsdam Hospital cardiologist charged with stealing prescription medication from patients pleaded not guilty in Town Court today.
Dr. Richard F. Wessel Jr., 59, pleaded not guilty to five counts of petit larceny and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all misdemeanors.
According to the original arrest report by Potsdam Village Police, Dr. Wessel was found in possession of 118 hydrocodone-acetaminophen pills not prescribed to him following a long-term investigation into the theft of prescription medication from patients at Dr. Wessel’s office at the CPH Lawrence Avenue campus.
Following his March 6 arrest, village police said they were still fielding complaints from Dr. Wessel’s patients who allege he may have taken drugs from them.
According to records from the North Carolina Medical Board, Dr. Wessel had previously been disciplined for two prior incidents, both relating to drug or alcohol use.
The case is being prosecuted by state Assistant Attorney General Ralph D. Tortora III of the office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigations. Following the arraignment, Mr. Totora said that no additional charges were being lodged against Dr. Wessel.
Dr. Wessel’s original arraignment was scheduled for April 11, but was adjourned to today at the request of his attorney, Scott A. Brenneck of Green & Brenneck, Syracuse.
Mr. Brenneck told Potsdam Town Justice Samuel R. Charleston that Dr. Wessel was engaged in treatment and requested a 30- to 45-day adjournment.
The case was adjourned to noon on June 13 and Dr. Wessel was released on his own recognizance.