BELLEFONTE – The defense continued their questioning on Wednesday of confidential informant Joel Conway in the Dr. Larry Adams trial.
Defense attorney Robert Fogelnest questioned Conway about medical records from a number of hospitals as well as the Meadows Psychiatric Center. Conway was read a number of statements that were copied in medical records. These ranged from his wife allegedly throwing his medications away to washing them or the pills being stolen.
“This is what I’d tell pharmacists,” said Conway. He stated that the pharmacists would then call Adams to verify the pre scri ptions. He said that Adams was aware of the excuses and that he and Adams had planned it.
Fogelnest also read records from Philipsburg Hospital that were written by Adams. One report, admission date Jan. 30, 2006, discharged Jan. 31, 2006, stated that Conway had a history of drug abuse. Adams wrote that he told Conway he needed to get off of the narcotics and get into therapy.
Another record, admission date Jan. 31, 2006, discharged Feb. 1, 2006, stated that Conway was discharged that day (Jan. 31) only to readmitted later that same day for a drug overdose. Adams plan was for Conway to go to rehab.
A record from Cleafield Hospital indicated that Conway was combative with emergency responders, police and security. Fogelnest read from the report that Conway took off his prosthetic leg and threw it at a security officer.
A report from the Meadows stated that Conway did not want to go into rehab.
Fogelnest continued to go after Conway’s credibility. He brought up numerous items that Conway told Tpr. Jeffrey Johnson. According to the trooper’s report, Conway told him he began seeing Adams because he was closer and would write him pre scri ptions for pain medication.
He also told Johnson that he and Adams were friends.
According to the report, Conway told Johnson, “We (he and Adams) just sort of cliqued.”
“I wanted … to be his friend because he would write me the scri pts I needed.”
He also testified that Adams would allow him to take syringes.
“There were times I would grab a pack out the door,” said Conway.
Fogelnest also asked Conway about instances where Adams told him he could not write him pre scri ptions.
“Did Dr. Adams tell you he couldn’t write you pre scri ption,” asked Fogelnest.
“Yes,” answered Conway.
Fogelnest also asked about a statement Conway made to Johnson involving Conway threatening Adams.
The report read, “In all honesty … uh, actually … yeah. I went there pretty strung out and kicked holes in the wall.”
“Was there a time you stole pre scri ption pads from Dr. Adams office or house,” asked Fogelnest.
“Yes,” answered Conway.
“What did you do with those pads,” asked Fogelnest.
“I forged some pre scri ptions,” replied Conway.
Conway then testified that Adams had taught him how to forge pre scri ptions. He also testified that he traded guns for drugs with Adams a few times. According to Johnson’s report, Conway told him 20 times.
According to a report read by Fogelnest, Conway became a confidential informant for the commonwealth on Jan. 22, 2007. According to medical records Conway was admitted to the Meadows on Nov. 7, 2007.
“Why,” asked Fogelnest.
Conway stated that he relapsed, he believed due to alcohol. One of the stipulations of his agreement to work with the commonwealth was that he not use alcohol or drugs
During a report dated Aug. 7, 2007 Conway stated that he had smoked marijuana the day prior due to his situation.
Earlier records placed into evidence by the defense indicated that Conway had been paid around $1,900 to work with the commonwealth.
Adams was arrested in May 2007. According to the records Fogelnest entered into evidence Conway continued to be paid by the commonwealth.
Fogelnest also presented records from Clearfield Hospital from May 23, 2007 in which Conway told the hospital that he had no family doctor and he requested pain medication.
Conway said that there were times during his service that he did get pain medication.
“Did the prosecution know,” asked Fogelnest.
“Mr. Johnson knew,” said Conway.
Fogelnest indicated that was not in Johnson’s report.
Prior to the lunch break Conway was excused from the court after nearly four days of testifying.
