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Kostenko trial begins in Beckley federal court

WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Kostenko trial begins in Beckley federal court

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BECKLEY – The trial of former Dr. Michael Kostenko began Monday in Beckley federal court with his testimony.

Kostenko is the former owner of Coal Country Clinic in Daniels. He faces 22 counts, including 19 counts of distributing oxycodone not for legitimate medical purposes, two counts of distributing oxycodone that resulted in death and maintaining a drug involved premises.

The federal prosecutors claim Kostenko was handing out pain pills in a way that led to many patients’ additions that they continue to battle. The defense, however, claims Kostenko did not operate a pill mill practice, just a different type of practice.

Eight men and four women have been chosen to hear the case.

The United States is represented by Miller Bushong III, Eric Patrick Bacaj and Joshua C. Hands of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Kostenko is represented by Derrick W. Lefler of Gibson Lefler & Associates and E. Ward Morgan.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number: 5:16-cr-00221

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