(Sioux Falls, S.D.)– The only person formally accused of paying for sex in what authorities say was an internet prostitution ring has reached a plea agreement.
Sioux Falls Doctor Joshua Payer has agreed to plead guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Prosecutors will drop other charges.
The drug count stems from prescriptions for oxycontin authorities say Payer wrote for the man alleged to have operated the ring.
Payer’s sentencing date was not immediately set.
Payer voluntarily surrendered his medical license in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa in September.
Payer was arrested at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake where he was working as an Emergency Room physician. He was employed at the time by a firm that contracts with hospitals for Emergency Room physician coverage.
(Story from the Associated Press.).
