Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Correspondent
Proceedings related to controlled-substance allegations against Tucumcari pharmacist Robert McClelland have been transferred to 10th Judicial District Court from Quay County Magistrate Court, records show.
McClelland is charged with two counts of unlawfully obtaining or attempting to obtain dangerous drugs, one count of violating the controlled substances act, and another count of forgery.
All charges are fourth-degree felonies, the least serious felony classification in the New Mexico judicial system.
McClelland’s case was bound over to the Tenth District court in a preliminary hearing on April 6, records show.
The charges against McClelland involve prescriptions that were alleged to be improperly written for a member of McClelland’s family, according to a “statement of probable cause” signed by Detective Charles Bouyer.
The statement includes evidence gathered by State Drug Investigator Bobby Padilla.
McClelland and his attorney have said the charges stem from a family dispute.
McClelland has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The incidents are alleged to have occurred in February and March 2015.
On Feb. 17, McClelland waived a preliminary hearing and posted a $15,000 unsecured appearance bond in the magistrate court, records show.