Calif. dentist pleads no contest in disabled son's death

A Coalinga, CA, dentist whose developmentally disabled son died after the dentist gave him Valium and morphine before treating an abscessed tooth will not serve any prison time, according to a report by ABC 30 News.

The coroner's report concluded that Patrick Clare, 35, died from the heavy dose of morphine and Valium that his father, Allen Clare, DDS, administered. Dr. Clare, was charged with unlawfully practicing dentistry because he was not licensed to deliver or possess the drugs.

Even though Dr. Clare admitted to causing his son's death, prosecutors decided that a murder charge was inappropriate and filed less severe charges, ABC News reported.

Fresno County prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain with Dr. Clare that requires him to give up his license to practice dentistry and serve three years of probation.

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