EAST ST. LOUIS - Missouri physician Craig Spiegel moved on Dec. 3 to stay a civil suit about the overdose of his patient Nicole Laux pending resolution of criminal charges.
His counsel Philip Willman of St. Louis wrote, “The subject matter of the civil and criminal cases directly overlap.
“The criminal charge is illegal distribution of controlled substances, specifically the prescribing of medications including medications prescribed to decedent.”
“A stay would protect the public interest in the integrity of the criminal proceedings.
“A stay until the conclusion of the criminal matter is also necessary to allow defendant to engage in necessary discovery in this matter without potential self incrimination in the pending criminal proceeding.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gilbert Sison issued an order on Dec. 5 directing estate administrator Bonnie Lilly to respond by Jan. 3.
Grand jurors in Eastern Missouri district court indicted Spiegel on 25 counts on March 13, finding he issued prescriptions to women for no legitimate medical purpose.
They found he ignored red flags that some women diverted the drugs.
They found he knew the women had substance abuse disorders and he endangered their mental well being and physical safety.
They brought 17 counts of illegal drug distribution including one that referred to a death on April 4, 2022.
They brought seven counts of false statements, finding Spiegel falsely represented that prescriptions were medically necessary.
They brought a count of conspiracy against Spiegel and April Bingham, finding they agreed to use identities of her mother, friends and former husband on prescriptions.
Laux’s mother Bonnie Lilly filed a malpractice suit against Spiegel, SSM Medical Group and SSM Health DePaul in St. Clair County circuit court on March 28.
Lilly’s counsel Brian Wendler of Maryville stated Laux died on April 4, 2022.
He didn’t allege that Spiegel prescribed the fatal drug.
He claimed Spiegel prescribed a drug cocktail that led to dependence and death.
He claimed drug interactions hurt Laux's immune system and body.
He claimed Spiegel prescribed substances on condition that Laux engage in sexual acts.
He claimed Lilly experienced and would continue to experience extreme mental anguish.
He claimed she would incur large sums raising a granddaughter.
Wendler also sought damages from SSM Health Medical Group and SSM DePaul Hospital, claiming they permitted Spiegel’s conduct.
The SSM entities removed the complaint to district court, asserting diversity jurisdiction as Missouri citizens.
District Judge Stephen Welby of St. Louis presides over the criminal case.
Second defendant April Bingham pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.