Dr. Reed Expresses Remorse
11/13/09 - 05:35 PM
By: Elizabeth Cate

Panama City, Fla:

Doctor Michael Reed, a former Panama City surgeon faces a prison sentence in a federal drug conspiracy case. The conspiracy involves seven co-defendants, nearly five kilograms of a cocaine mixture and a two year investigation.

Federal Judge Richard Smoak calls it a puzzle, a mystery and questions how a successful surgeon like Reed could hit rock bottom. Reed already admitted guilt as an investor in the scheme, but today he found out the price he’ll have to pay in punishment.

Reed must spend 57 months, nearly five years in jail.

“Ashamed,” “embarrassed” and “disappointed.” The final words, given by a choked up Dr. Michael Reed, as a federal judge decided his fate.

“When you come in in stripes, when you were once a doctor, it’s very embarrassing,” said Reed’s attorney, Marcia Shein.

The distressed doctor walked into this courtroom, shackled at the feet as a full house of family and friends looked on.

Reed previously pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy and admitted to investing $60,000 for 2 kilograms of cocaine smuggled in from Belize.

Nevertheless, a friend described Reed as a good man but also a drug addict that needs help.

“He was grateful that they were there and was thankful that there was love and support in the community and it’s not all bad,” said Shein.

Before he received his sentence, Reed described his practice, as a place to escape. After a divorce and losing custody of his children he says he went into depression. He claims the depression led him to addition. Now the office doors are closed and he’ll never practice medicine again.

“That’s an additional part of his punishment that nobody else in this case will ever experience,” said Shein.

At 55-years old, Reed acknowledged his life is in ruins. Reed was sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison.

“At this point it’s what he’s gotten and we have to live with that,” said Shein.

That leaves this once confident surgeon, in what he calls, a hopeless situation.

Despite Reed’s words that solicited sympathy, the government made it clear that Reed made the choice to use and store cocaine. However, the government and Reed’s own attorney, added that he was introduced to drug dealing co-defendant, Hector Melara, by his girlfriend, Amy cooper. A friend noted that he told Reed to stay away from her.

Cooper is charged as a co-defendant for using a telephone to solicit drugs. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial begins on Monday.