Pediatrician pleads guilty to writing prescriptions in exchange for sex, money
ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A pediatrician in Missouri accused of writing prescriptions in exchange for sex and money has pleaded guilty.
Dr. Craig A. Spiegel, who practiced in Bridgeton, admitted to illegally distributing controlled substances, making false statements in court, and conspiracy to distribute drugs.
Investigators said Spiegel wrote prescriptions for opioids, stimulants, and other drugs in exchange for sexual acts, nude photos, or cash. Authorities noted he often targeted women he had treated as their pediatrician when they were children.
According to investigators, Spiegel also admitted to prescribing drugs to a co-defendant, April Bingham, who sold some of the pills while using the names of her family and friends to exploit insurance benefits.
The illegal prescriptions were said to cost Medicare, Missouri Medicaid, and Illinois Medicaid more than $114,000.
Spiegel also admitted lying under oath in federal court, falsely claiming his cell phone had been illegally searched, authorities said.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2026. Each major charge carries up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.
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