Dr. Louis Hampers, the former head of the emergency department at Children’s Hospital Colorado, is scheduled to be sentenced in his prescription-drug-fraud case at 10 a.m. on May 29.
Hampers used fake names and falsified prescriptions to obtain painkillers for personal use. He pleaded guilty to 14 criminal counts in federal court after initially being charged with more than 600 counts related to the fraud.
In court filings, Hampers has asked U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn to sentence him to probation only. Prosecutors want him to do prison time for his crimes. He could face 12 to 18 months in federal prison and $3,000 to $30,000 in fines.
Since Hampers was indicted in August 2010, he has entered a drug-treatment program, and his lawyers want him to continue the treatment out of prison.
Prosecutors say Hampers’ crimes were not victimless, that he harassed his ex-wife while under indictment and, during the investigation, was charged with harassing a now-former television reporter.
The sentencing hearing will be held in Blackburn’s courtroom.
Felisa Cardona, The Denver Post
