Scheyer probe to include UW, feds

As the University investigates how a former Husky team doctor apparently circumvented protocol controlling the issuance of prescription drugs, federal and state agencies announced yesterday they are conducting a criminal investigation into the doctor's practices.

The investigation involving the U.S. Attorney's Office, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Washington State Patrol will focus on former Husky team physician William Scheyer. A recent administrative review by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission found Scheyer improperly provided trainers and UW softball team members with painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives and prescription drugs.

As a result, the state Department of Health suspended Scheyer's license, and the UW severed ties with him.

While two senior law-enforcement officials anonymously told The Seattle Times Monday the investigation would also examine trainers, coaches and athletes on the softball team, officials offered few comments on the investigation's range.

"An investigation has been referred to our office ... and it concerns the conduct of Dr. Scheyer," said Lawrence Lincoln, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington.

Lincoln declined further comment about the investigation because prosecutors will not draw conclusions about Scheyer until the investigation is over.

"Sometimes investigations in our office don't result in criminal prosecutions," he said.

But the U.S. Attorney's Office will review the investigation when completed and, if warranted, prosecute the case, according to the state patrol.

The state patrol has assigned three detectives and a detective sergeant from the patrol's narcotics unit to the investigation. The state patrol will also investigate Edward Matsuwaka, a former pharmacist who provided medications to Scheyer.

In a prepared statement, state patrol Chief Ronal W. Serpas said officers would first outline the scope of the investigation.

"The state patrol plans to work this case with a sense of urgency, however, will work exhaustively to find the facts and uncover all leads," Serpas said.

He added that it is difficult to predict when the investigation will end.

Meanwhile, the UW's investigation might be completed before the end of fall quarter, according to Norm Arkans, associate vice president for university relations.

"We're going to try to do it as expeditiously as we can," Arkans said. "It's certainly going to take weeks."

Two UW employees -- an experienced investigator and an expert in pharmaceuticals -- are conducting the University's investigation, along with an assistant state attorney general, Arkans said. He declined to identify them so they could conduct the investigation "unfettered."

The internal investigation will center on whether Scheyer compromised care for student athletes.

"If we do have issues surrounding NCAA violations," Arkans said, "we want to surface those in order to self-report them."