SCRANTON (AP) - A northeastern Pennsylvania doctor convicted of operating a pill mill out of her office is heading to prison.

The (Pottsville) Republican-Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1YDaimS ) that Stephanie Tarapchak was sentenced Thursday in a Lackawanna County courtroom to serve 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison.

Tarapchak apologized and says she accepts responsibility for her actions.

The 47-year-old Ashland woman was charged with writing illegal prescriptions for herself and others who were hooked on painkillers and anxiety drugs.

One patient who frequently returned to her office died of a drug overdose after receiving powerful pain medication used for cancer patients.

Tarapchak was convicted in October on eight counts including drug delivery resulting in death and insurance fraud.

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Information from: Pottsville Republican and Herald,

http://www.republicanherald.com