HICKORY, N.C. — A doctor was arrested after deputies said a traffic stop led to charges of trafficking opium or heroin.
Longtime patients of Dr. John Kessel said they were stunned by news of his arrest. He was arrested less than a mile from his medical clinic and pharmacy.
Investigators said they found 240 Oxycodone pills inside the doctor's car during a traffic stop. Deputies believe the pills were for his personal use and added they have been working closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the State Bureau of Investigation for the last month as they investigated the doctor.
Patients said they have seen the doctor for 10 to 20 years in the Hickory area.
"I tell you what. This is mind boggling to me," said patient William Wood. "You know what I mean. Really, it is."
"I'm just surprised," said patient Joyce Day. "Very, very surprised."
Investigators said they are still trying to determine how the doctor got the pain pills. Kessel is scheduled to appear before a judge Wednesday morning in Newton.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
[ Officials: Deputy shoots, kills mental patient during transport ]
[ 2 new companies offering high-paying jobs in Mooresville ]
[ Fighter jets scramble to escort Charlotte-bound flight ]
[ Meck Co. officials: 2 monitored after arriving from Ebola hot zone ]
[ Terminally ill woman who plans to end her life checks last item off bucket list ]