Doctor in Panthers steroid scandal could serve time

7/13/2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A former West Columbia doctor scheduled to be sentenced next week for conspiring to illegally prescribe steroids to NFL players shouldn't receive any federal prison time, according to court papers filed by his lawyer.

In a motion filed Tuesday, federal public defender Allen Burnside asked the court to reject a request by prosecutors to give James Shortt a sentence longer than the maximum recommended sentence of six months.

Shortt, 59, should be sentenced at the "bottom of the sentencing range" -- from zero to six months -- proposed by the U.S. Probation Office, Burnside said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday said in a motion last month that range would allow for probation, a sentence he called "completely inadequate."

The maximum for the charge is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Chief U.S. District Judge Joe Anderson agreed last month to consider a stiffer sentence against Short but said he wouldn't hand down the punishment until Monday's sentencing

Shortt pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. Prosecutors have said current and former members of the Carolina Panthers were some of Shortt's patients.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped 42 other counts against Shortt.

Shortt, who remains free on bond until sentencing, now lives in California.

Shortt also faces a state criminal investigation in the death of a woman who died three days after receiving intravenous hydrogen peroxide to help her multiple sclerosis.

The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners revoked Shortt's medical license in May.