Needham Doctor Will Not Face 'Cause of Death' Charges in Painkiller Case

The Needham doctor and his nurse practitioner will face lesser charges in a case that alleges that they over-prescribed painkiller medications, causing the deaths of at least six people, reported the Boston Globe.

With tougher standards, prosecutors will now file charges against Dr. Joseph P. Zolot, 64, and Lisa M. Pliner, 54, with conspiracy and drug dealing, but not causing the deaths.

In August, a judge declared a mistrial after a jury that deliberated for more than 30 hours couldn’t come to a verdict in the trial of a Needham doctor and nurse practitioner, reported the Boston Globe.

The two were originally indicted on eight counts with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances causing deaths.