Dec 21, 2007
Author Unknown
The Tribune-Review

A key government witness in a federal sex-for-drugs case was sentenced Thursday to six months in prison for repeatedly violating her probation conditions.

Jennifer Riggle, 30, formerly of New Kensington, was ordered by U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose to report to prison after Jan. 1.

Riggle's probation was revoked for shoplifting and failing three drug tests this year. In 2004, she received five years' probation for illegally distributing oxycodone.

Riggle originally avoided prison by testifying against Dr. Bernard Rottschaefer, a former Oakmont doctor convicted in March 2004 on 153 counts of illegally prescribing painkillers.

Riggle claimed she performed sexual favors for Rottschaefer in exchange for oxycodone. Following the trial, letters surfaced in which Riggle wrote that her testimony was fabricated in order to get a deal from prosecutors.