Pubdate: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC) Copyright: 2004 Sun Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987 Note: apparent 150 word limit on LTEs Author: Mary W. Abel Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Ricardo+Alerre (Alerre, Dr. Ricardo) Justice? SENTENCE SHOWS FLAWS IN SYSTEM Something is terribly wrong with our judicial system when a 74-year-old physician with a previously unblemished 48-year career is sentenced to almost 20 years in prison despite independent expert testimony that the prescriptions he wrote were appropriate. Something is very wrong when admitted liars and drug abusers testify against and help convict a man of unquestionable integrity. I believe Dr. Ricardo Alerre will be found innocent through the appeals process, but the injustice done to this compassionate, honorable man by an over-zealous Drug Enforcement Administration and a flawed legal system can never be erased. Mary W. Abel, Pawleys Island - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl