NJ doctor admits writing opioid prescriptions to help drug ring

WARREN, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey doctor has admitted writing fraudulent prescriptions to funnel tens of thousands of high-dose opioid pills to a drug ring.

George Beecher now faces up to 10 years in state prison when he's sentenced Nov. 16. He also will have to permanently surrender his medical license.

Beecher, a 77-year-old New Providence resident who ran a medical practice in Warren - was arrested in December 2015 along with several other alleged ring members. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy and a drug distribution count.

The state attorney general's office says Beecher admitted writing prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose and in the names of individuals he never examined, treated or met.