Doctor accused of distributing opioids for sex

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh-area doctor has been accused of giving out opioids in exchange for sex.

Emilio Ramon Navarro, 58, of Coal Center is facing 29 counts total -- 28 for controlled substance violations and 1 for health care fraud.

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According to investigators, Navarro began distributing oxymorphone and oxycodone to a person identified as “A.W.” in April 2018 and continued to do so for a year, receiving sexual favors in return.

Navarro was arrested Monday morning and has already made his first appearance in federal court. The Department of Justice said he operates a private family practice in Perryopolis.

In a court hearing Tuesday, Navarro's attorneys told the judge he would permanently surrender his medical license, his prescription pads and his guns. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.

If convicted, Navarro could face 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both for each count of the drug violations, plus an additional 10 years and $250,000 in fines for the fraud charge.

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