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• Feb 1, 2006 6:35 pm US/Mountain
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  Accused 'Fake Doctor' Pleads Guilty

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Accused 'Fake Doctor' Pleads Guilty

Naturopathic Physician Brian O'Connell Charged In Patient's Death

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) ― Brian O'Connell, a self-proclaimed naturopathic physician accused of manslaughter, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges in the death of a patient. The trial was about to start Wednesday with opening statements when the guilty plea was announced.

The Jefferson County district attorney's office said new evidence in the case was discovered. Prosecutors said when O'Connell was confronted with the new evidence, he decided to plead guilty.

Prosecutors said that evidence showed O'Connell had testified as an expert witness in another case, claiming that he had various degrees which he did not have.

O'Connell was charged with manslaughter, criminally impersonating a doctor, theft, illegally obtaining drugs and other crimes. He pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

O'Connell was charged in the death of Sean Flanagan, a cancer patient who died under his care.

The district attorney's office said sentencing was scheduled for March 27. Prosecutors said no deal was made on how many years he will serve in return for his guilty plea.

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