DOCTOR SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR RUNNING 'PILL MILL'

FORT PIERCE -- A doctor accused of running a "pill mill" that led to
the death of at least one patient has been sentenced to 50 years in
prison. Asuncion Luyao, 64, said at her sentencing hearing Friday
that she was only trying to help those in pain.

"I am saddened by the fact that those I tried to help improve their
lives and alleviate their suffering turned against me," Luyao said.

Luyao was convicted in March of manslaughter in the death of longtime
patient Julia Hartsfield, and also on five counts of trafficking pain
pills and one count of racketeering.

Luyao's license to practice medicine was suspended after her 2002 arrest.

Prosecutors had argued Luyao thought she could make more money as a
drug dealer than a physician, prescribing large doses of addictive
narcotics with few, if any, examinations.

Authorities alleged the practice led to six patient deaths.

Defense attorneys claimed she was duped by some patients who lied to
get prescriptions. They also argued that two of the patients died of
natural causes and that suicide could not be ruled out in others.