A former pediatrician from St. Louis County, Missouri, Craig A. Spiegel, was sentenced on March 20 to 20 years in prison for prescribing controlled substances in exchange for sex acts, nude photos, or cash.
The sentencing highlights the dangers of medical professionals abusing their positions of trust and authority over vulnerable patients. The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address prescription drug abuse and protect patients from exploitation.
According to court records, Spiegel exploited his position as a doctor between at least 2014 and May of 2023 by obtaining cash, sexual acts, or sexual photographs from at least 19 patients—many of whom he began treating as children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric said in court that Spiegel distributed an "astronomical amount of drugs" illegally and pressured reluctant patients through text messages while becoming sexually violent with at least one victim. Sestric's sentencing memo described how Spiegel initiated sexual contact with one victim he had known since she was about seven or eight years old by preying on her vulnerability during a divorce.
Spiegel admitted to prescribing controlled substances to his co-defendant April Bingham in exchange for sexual favors despite knowing she was addicted and selling some of the drugs. He used the names of Bingham's friends and relatives when writing prescriptions to exploit their insurance benefits. After his indictment, Spiegel lied under oath during an April 2025 hearing regarding consent for searching his phone.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bridgeton Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), FBI, and Missouri Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
“Dr. Craig Spiegel is no better than a street-level drug dealer. He knowingly exploited individuals struggling with addiction, not to treat them, but to keep them dependent,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “For years, he fueled that addiction to ensure a steady stream of victims for his own sexual gratification... [He] put their lives at serious risk of overdose.”
Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley from HHS-OIG said: “Today’s sentencing marks an important step toward justice for the individuals harmed by Craig Spiegel’s criminal conduct... This doctor – a pediatrician – deliberately and callously abused his medical position.” DEA Special Agent Michael Davis added: “Acts such as those performed by this individual cannot and will not be tolerated... he destroyed his reputation and because of his actions now faces a significant time in federal prison.”
Spiegel pleaded guilty in December to illegal distribution of controlled substances, making false statements related to health care matters, and conspiracy charges; Judge John A. Ross ordered him to repay $114,480 lost by Medicare and Medicaid programs due to fraudulent prescriptions.
Bingham pleaded guilty previously on conspiracy charges related to distributing controlled substances; she received a sentence of 21 months in prison in 2024.
Individuals concerned about Dr. Spiegel are encouraged to contact HHS-OIG at 800-447-8477.
