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Limbaugh charged in Florida drug fraud probe

Posted on: Friday, 28 April 2006, 18:49 CDT

MIAMI (Reuters) - Conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh turned himself in to police in Florida on Friday and was charged with prescription drug fraud as part of a probe that began more than two years ago, authorities said.

Limbaugh, best known as a brash and often moralistic talk show host, admitted an addiction to prescription painkillers in October 2003 after reports he was facing an investigation for allegedly using a housekeeper to illegally obtain drugs.

He was released on $3,000 bail after being held about one hour at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Under a deal disclosed by Limbaugh's attorney, Roy Black, the single count of "doctor shopping" against the radio talk-show host will be dismissed in 18 months.

The charge was that Limbaugh concealed information to fraudulently obtain a prescription drug.

As a primary condition for the dismissal, Limbaugh must continue to seek drug therapy treatment from the doctor who has been treating him for the past 2 1/2 years, Black said in a written statement.

The statement said Limbaugh pleaded not guilty to the charge but agreed to make a $30,000 payment to the state of Florida to defray the public cost of the investigation.

"Mr. Limbaugh had intended to remain in treatment," Black said. "Thus, we believe the outcome for him personally will be much as if he had fought the charge and won."

The investigation came to light in October 2003 while Limbaugh was embroiled in a controversy that forced him to quit his job as a television football commentator.

The controversy stemmed from comments some people saw as racist. Limbaugh said the media wanted Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to succeed because he is black.

Source: REUTERS

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