U.S. Magistrate Robert E. Larsen recently recommended that the confession of Kansas City pharmacist Robert Courtney, who stands accused of diluting more than 100 doses of prescription medications, should be permitted as evidence. A Federal judge will make the final ruling.
According to a report filed by Federal prosecutors, Courtney admitted to diluting chemotherapy drugs Taxol, Gemzar, Paraplatin, Procrit, and Platinol in order to save money. Officials say the pharmacist also diluted TPA, a drug used to treat stroke victims. Courtney reportedly owed over $600,000 in taxes and nearly $300,000 to a local church. Defense attorneys wanted the confession excluded, as they claim Courtney believed he was being offered a plea-bargain at the time he confessed.