Presley doctor cleared

Press, 6 November 1981, Page 6

Presley doctor cleared

NZPA-Reuter Memphis Dr George Nichopoulos, Elvis Presley’s doctor for 11 years, was found not guilty yesterday of charges that he prescribed excessive quantities of narcotics, sedatives and amphetamines for the singer and eight other patients. The criminal court jury deliberated for more than three .hours before returning the verdict. Dr Nichopoulos’ attorney said he was a good Samaritan who struggled in vain to cure Presley’s drug addiction. Other doctors who criticised Dr Nichopoulos’ drug treatment methods had al-

ready washed their hands of patients such as Presley,' the attorney, James Neal, told the jury. Dr Nichopoulos, had been charged in an 11-Count indictment/ with prescribing excessive amounts of narcotics, sedatives and amphetamines for Presley, the entertainer,. Jerj-y Lee Lewis, and seven other patients. The 54-year-old doctor faced 2-10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine if convicted. The District Attorney-Gen-eral (Mr James Wilson) who delivered the State’s closing arguments, had told jurors that Dr Nichopoulos violated the law even though he may have had good intentions.