MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A federal jury convicted a Mobile doctor on Friday for writing illegal prescriptions for pain relievers.

The jury found Dr. Chykeetra “Che Che” Maltbia guilty of 15 counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Prosecutors alleged that Dr Maltbia wrote prescriptions for oxycodone without a legitimate medical reason and outside the ordinary course of professional practice.

Defense attorney Dennis Knizley told FOX10 News his client will appeal.

“Extremely disappointed,” he said. “I respect the jury’s decision.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock on Thursday dismissed two of the charges against Maltbia and previously dismissed the healthcare fraud charges. Knizley said it would affect the calculation of advisory guidelines that would play a role in sentencing. But he added he didn’t know what the recommendation would be.

“Certain factors, we do not know them yet. … I think it will probably be in the 50-70 month range, ”he said.

Maltbia’s father Leroy Ray Dotson left the courthouse on Thursday as a free man after the judge ruled prosecutors failed to present enough evidence to send the charges to the jury.

“It was a great relief for Mr. Dotson,” defense attorney Andrew Jones told FOX10 News on Friday. “Sir. Dotson was very happy and he can move on with his life.”

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