3/4/14 - The trial of a Howell doctor charged after a raid by the DEA has been delayed two months. Dr. Michael Holda, an orthopedic surgeon, is charged with six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana in Livingston County Circuit Court. A hearing had been scheduled last week to hear a motion filed by the defense to quash the information and dismiss the charges. But court records indicate that has been pushed off until April 10th, while his trial has been moved out from March 17th until mid-May. Authorities say the adjournments were to allow sufficient time for briefing and motions. Previous testimony from undercover agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration who were acting as patients indicated Dr. Holda prescribed pain medications, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda, who has been practicing in the Howell community for more than three decades, operates Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road. On May 7th, Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies assisted the DEA in executing a search warrant at that location, which followed the undercover visits. (JK)
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