Ex-Canton-Potsdam doctor faces 38 more counts

POTSDAM — A former Canton-Potsdam Hospital psychiatrist charged with falsifying patient records and hoarding prescription medications now faces 38 more charges.

Dr. Ramon E. Ravelo, 51, will be arraigned on 40 misdemeanor charges Wednesday in Village Court before Judge Joseph T. Welch. Defense attorney David A. Haggard said Friday his client will plead innocent to all the charges.

The doctor faces charges on 10 counts of falsifying business records, eight counts of issuing improper prescriptions, eight counts of failure to maintain records of controlled substances received and dispensed, seven counts of possession of a controlled substance and seven counts of unauthorized distribution of prescription drugs, court records show.

Dr. Ravelo is accused of keeping sloppy patient records, hoarding prescription medications and giving drugs meant for one patient to another patient from January 2008 to October 2009, court records show.

He initially faced six felony charges, which were dropped by the St. Lawrence County district attorney's office last month.

"We were shocked at the allegations against Dr. Ravelo," Mr. Haggard said. "Obviously, this will have to play itself out. However, we are confident that many of these charges lack substance or support and we're confident that Dr. Ravelo will be exonerated."

The doctor recently agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license, pending the outcome of the court case, according to state Department of Health records. He resigned his position at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in November.

District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé declined comment Friday.