Suicide wrestler's doctor charged in drug probe

The personal doctor of professional wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son before committing suicide, was charged today with improperly dispensing painkillers and other drugs.

The seven-count indictment says Dr Phil Astin aided and abetted by others known and unknown to the grand jury, dispensed drugs including Percocet, Xanax, Lorcet and Vicoprofen between April 2004 and September 2005.

The recipients were identified in the indictment by the initials by the initials OG and MJ. Benoit's initials were not listed.

Astin was expected to make an initial court appearance in Atlanta later today.

A criminal complaint was also filed, but it was under seal. A law enforcement official said the case involves steroids.

Authorities said Benoit strangled his wife and seven-year-old son, placing bibles next to their bodies, before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine in his home.

Federal drug agents have taken over the probe into whether Astin improperly prescribed testosterone and other drugs to Benoit before he went on a killing spree in his suburban Atlanta home last month. State prosecutors and sheriff's officials are overseeing the death investigation.

Federal prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of all property and proceeds Astin obtained through the illegal conduct if he is convicted.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a long-time friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office on June 22 - the Friday before the weekend when the killings occurred.

Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage".

Toxicology tests on Benoit's body have not yet been completed, state officials said.