Schneider Sentencing: Dr. Stephen Schneider 30 Years - Linda Schneider 33 Years

Facially, it may seem that the defendants’ and PRN’s/Reynolds’ interests are
aligned. But, as discussed further below, PRN’s and Reynolds’ interests may, in fact, be contrary to the defendants’ best interests. Indeed, PRN and Reynolds may be using the defendants, if not sacrificing the defendants, to further their own agendas.  In such a situation, dual representation could create conflicts of interest requiring the defendants’ counsel to choose between strategies that benefit PRN/Reynolds and strategies that benefit the defendants.

Dr. Schneider sat in the courtroom today looking grim in his prison garb and shackles, but managed to wink several times at his wife, Linda -- also wearing prison attire -- as they awaited their fate.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot told the 57-year-old physician that the evidence showed that he earned and deserved the nickname "Schneider the Writer" because in many cases writing scripts was his only form of medical care. "For whatever reason, Stephen Schneider utterly failed to live up to his oath to do no harm,'" Belot said.

The judge said the doctor was put on every possible notice that the controlled substances he was prescribing - particularly the potent painkiller Actiq - was addicting, harming and killing his patients but did nothing to stop it.

While sentencing the Schneiders, Judge Belot said the case against the Schneiders was an "avoidable tragedy motivated by greed."

Belot went on to chastise Linda Schneider by saying "Had she not been involved in the operation of the clinic, or had she approached her role there in a professional and responsible way, none of us would be here today." "That doesn't excuse Stephen Schneider's wrongful acts, but it may somewhat explain them."

"I believe the evidence has shown Linda Schneider is a scheming, manipulative, uncaring criminal who believed, erroneously, that she was smart enough to 'get away with it' Belot said. -- "A big mistake on her part."

The government contends losses for clinic services and prescriptions was more than $20 million, with some 93 insurance programs and more than 500 patients defrauded.

Belot did not immediately rule on the restitution issues.

The judge dismissed defense arguments that harsh sentences will deter other doctors from prescribing to chronic pain patients, saying that sounded like the "irresponsible propaganda" of the Pain Relief Network, a group that has opposed what it sees as federal efforts to crack down on chronic pain treatment.

The judge used the phrases "Bozo the Clown" and "ship of fools" to describe the PRN and said he hoped the outcome would help curtail its activities.

When the people leading it are "so stupid that they support what occurred in this case, they demean the efforts of legitimate medical providers to help persons suffering from chronic pain," the judge said.

PRN president Siobhan Reynolds said Belot's comments about her group reflect poorly on him and his office in a telephone interview. Although Reynolds was a regular attendee at the Schneiders lengthy trial -- she was a no show for the sentencing.

"He knows perfectly well there is very little I can do to answer him, and he is showing a real lack of regard for what the rest of the people in the United States regard as my natural rights - my right to dissent, my right to support innocent people who are being railroaded," she said. The Justice Department has already succeeded in stopping her advocacy by fining her and her organization, she said.

No Ms. Reynolds, the rest of the people in the United States don't regard as your natural rights -- your right to dissent -- and your right to support innocent people who are being railroaded. They are not impressed with your self-importance -- and as a lesson in Trial by Jury 101 -- the Schneiders were found guilty by a group of their peers -- it's called a jury system. If the jury had reached a verdict of "not guilty" -- the Schneiders could be referred to as "innocent" by you.

So if the Feds are correct and Siobhan Reynolds and her Pain Relief Network are furthering her agenda and manage to cut a movie deal -- hopefully the Schneiders will have access to it on "movie night" in prison. Wonder if the Schneiders regret the day Reynolds came into their lives -- and threw them under the bus.

The Series:

Jun-16-2010: Schneiders Fate in the Hands of the Jury - Marianne Skolek Salem-News.com

Jun-11-2010: Schneider Trial Week 7 - Marianne Skolek Salem-News.com