Doctor Facing Federal Charges After Oxycodone Deaths

A doctor who ran a drug clinic in Raleigh County has been accused of illegally distributing oxycodone to three patients who later died.

The Register-Herald reports Dr. Michael Kostenko was arrested Wednesday on numerous federal charges, including three counts of distributing oxycodone that resulted in the deaths of three patients.

Kostenko’s medical license was initially suspended in March after the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine found probable cause of unprofessional and unethical conduct. The board later voted to revoke his license.

Kostenko argued his files at the Coal Country Clinic in Daniels didn’t directly document the fact that he had examined patients, performed screens and discharged patients who didn’t follow their contract.

Kostenko’s attorney and daughter, Christina Kostenko, called the charges “fraudulent” and said the investigation is “unjustified.”