Therapist pleads not guilty

A man working in Libby as a physical therapist pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy and acquiring hydrocodone and oxycodone by forgery, fraud or subterfuge.

Kevin R. Criswell, a former University of Montana basketball player who retired as the fourth-leading scorer in school history, is alleged to have committed the crimes from January 2011 to August 2012. Criswell currently works as a physical therapist at Orthopedic Rehab in Libby. He does not prescribe medication.  

“We all know too well the dreadful effects that these painkillers have had on our population,” Orthopedic Rehab co-owner Keith Ori wrote in a statement. “Kevin Criswell resigned from Daniels County Hospital nearly 3 years ago following these allegations. He underwent counseling and drug testing, and he was seen fit to hire by St. John’s Hospital in Libby two years later. Kevin Criswell has been our trusted employee for a year.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Otsby appointed Assistant Federal Defender Steve Babcock to represent Criswell and ordered Criswell to spend $3,500 on his defense. Criswell is free as his case awaits trial. He faces a maximum of four years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. A prosecutor said the case involves 91 victims.

Cale J. Handran, 33, of Scobey, is a co-defendant in the case. Handran pleaded not guilty on March 25. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters released Handran pending trial.   

Patrick Gulick, Orthopedic Rehab co-owner and Criswell’s immediate supervisor, described Criswell as an exemplary employee.

“As a condition of his employment, (Criswell) continues to be drug tested and never has tested positive,” Ori wrote. “We have appreciated the confidence placed in us by the Board of Physical Therapy to supervise Kevin. Kevin and Orthopedic Rehab have taken this responsibility seriously and believe that we have fully met the Board’s expectations. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Attempts to reach Criswell for comment were unsuccessful.