“Nose Guy” Doc Extradition Could Take a Year

First has to recover from self inflicted wound

It could take more than a year before patients of "Nose Doctor" Mark Weinberger get to face the man who they say botched their surgeries.

Weinberger, a former surgeon who operated out of Northwest Indiana, was arrested in the Northern Italy early this week. When he was found in a tent in the snow covered mountains, he attempted to cut his own throat.

The more than 60 families who accuse the Merryville doctor of malpractice would rather see him live to see American justice.

"We want him ... to look these people in the eye and explain why he did this," said Kenneth J. Allen, who represents around 60 families accusing Weinberger, 46, of negligence.

It may be a while before that happens.

A U.S. treaty with Italy requires extradition proceedings to begin within 40 days, Allen said. Federal prosecutors are working to request Weinberger's extradition, said David Capp, acting U.S. attorney for Indiana's Northern District.

Capp said proceedings to extradite Weinberger could take a year or more. However, Allen said, if Weinberger waives extradition, he could be returned to the United States as soon as February or March.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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