Published January 13, 2015
The personal doctor to a pro wrestler who killed himself, his wife and their 7-year-old son last year has pleaded not guilty to a new 175-count indictment that charges him with conspiracy and improperly dispensing drugs.
Dr. Phil Astin did not attend Monday's brief hearing in federal court in Atlanta. His attorney entered the plea on his behalf. The court granted Astin's request not to appear.
In a statement, the attorney says Astin is not a criminal.
The May 29th indictment replaces a seven-count indictment last July and involves 17 additional patients. Astin was a doctor for wrestler Chris Benoit.
Authorities say Benoit strangled his wife and son, then hanged himself in their Fayetteville home in June 2007.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/doctor-to-pro-wrestler-pleads-not-guilty-in-prescription-drug-case