UPDATE
David Gierlus has plead guilty to one count of unlawfully distributing a schedule III controlled substance, hydrocodone, and faces ten years in prison.
All other charges will be dismissed.
As part of his plea agreement, he admitted to being sexually involved with a patient and prescribing her the narcotic several times.
He will be sentenced on June 21st at 3:15 p.m.
Original story
A family practitioner working for Trinity Muscatine is facing charges after the FBI says he was trading medication for sexual favors. Dr. David Gierlus is charged with three counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
According to court records, Muscatine Police had been investigating Gierlus' prescribing activity when they came across several female patients who said they were trading sexual favors for prescription drugs.
In June, 2012 "Patient 1" was interviewed by authorities. The female patient told police she specifically used Dr. Gierlus to obtain prescription drugs and sell them on the street.
FBI records indicate that, over the last three years, "Patient 1" has received more than 100 controlled substance prescriptions from Gierlus. Those medications include Adderall, Vicodin, Xanax, and Valium.
In May, a woman referred to as "Patient 2" made an appointment with Gierlus. She allowed Muscatine Police to record the appointment. During the appointment, Gierlus exposed himself to the patient and kissed the patient.
"Patient 2" told police she and Gierlus have had sexual contact more than 50 times. Police say Gierlus asked "Patient 2" what she was using the prescriptions for. The patient explained she was selling the drugs on the street. Police say Gierlus refilled the prescription anyway.
Gierlus made an initial court appearance on Friday. He was released from custody but he is not allowed to see any patients.
