US linking overdose deaths to Fla. pain clinics

MIAMI – Investigators are trying to link oxycodone overdose deaths to the operators of South Florida pain clinics already charged with illegally dispensing hundreds of thousands of doses of the powerful painkiller.

Prosecutors said Friday if deaths can be conclusively traced to the clinics, primary owner Vincent Colangelo could face no less than 20 years if convicted.

Colangelo was arrested along with at least 20 others last month in pain clinic raids led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Investigators are examining overdose deaths in Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and elsewhere for links to the half-dozen pain clinics Colangelo either owned or in which he had a controlling interest.

A judge Friday denied bail for Colangelo, who has not entered a plea. He has not hired an attorney.