A Maine doctor who ran an addiction treatment center in the state has been convicted of illegally distributing opioids and could potentially spend up to 300 years behind bars. Dr. Merideth Norris was found guilty in federal court on 15 counts of distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. Norris, 53, from Kennebunk, Maine, prescribed these drugs without a legitimate medical reason, even when patients failed drug tests or were known to be redistributing the drugs in the community. Prosecutors argued that she jeopardized her patients' safety by ignoring red flags and warning signs. Norris's defense team claimed that she was helping patients reduce their medications and overlooked the challenges of treating individuals addicted to opioids. Despite warnings from pharmacists and insurance companies, Norris continued to prescribe the controlled substances. The US Department of Justice stated that Norris distributed these substances without a valid medical purpose and deceived the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure about her prescribing practices. The jury's verdict convicted Norris on 15 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, each count carrying a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing will be decided by a federal district court judge based on various statutory factors and sentencing guidelines.