United States Drug Enforcement Administration

INDIANAPOLIS - On Tuesday, Indianapolis physician Dr. Robert C. Ash surrendered to authorities after learning that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. The warrant, which was issued on May 9th in Hamilton County, charged Dr. Ash with 16 counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, a Class B Felony and seven counts of dealing in a Schedule IV controlled substance, a Class C Felony.

The arrest and charges were announced by Jack Riley, Special Agent in (SAC) of the Chicago Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, which includes Indianapolis, and D. Lee Buckingham II, Prosecuting Attorney for Hamilton County.

"Unfortunately, prescription medications have become the drug of choice for many who abuse drugs," said SAC Riley.  "Those in the medical profession who allegedly abuse their position of trust and prescribe drugs without any legitimate medical purpose will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”|

The investigation, which began in 2013, was conducted by the Indianapolis Tactical Diversion Group comprised of DEA, Indiana State Police, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Kokomo Police Department and the Indiana Attorneys General Office along with the Henry County Drug Task Force.

Dr. Ash is scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Superior Court on May 23, 2014 at 1:15pm.

If convicted, each class B felony is punishable by a sentence of between six and 20 years, with the advisory sentence being 10 years. Each class C felony is punishable by a sentence of between two and eight years, with the advisory sentence being four years. In addition, a person convicted of either felony may be fined not more than $10,000.

The public is reminded that a charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.