WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas doctor charged with operating a pill mill linked to drug overdoses by active duty Fort Riley soldiers is expected in federal court for his initial hearing.

Michael P. Schuster of Manhattan was arrested Tuesday on a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to distribute drugs. He is scheduled to appear Wednesday before a federal magistrate judge in Wichita. It was unclear whether the government would seek to keep him jailed pending trial.

The investigation into the 53 year old physician began last year amid concerns by medical staff at Fort Riley that Schuster had treated soldiers and their family members who died from overdoses.

Prosecutors allege more than 500 prescriptions were written by unlicensed staff on pre-signed, blank forms Schuster left behind for their use while he traveled.