Local News in Brief : ‘Dr. Death’ Figure to Begin Jail Term

A former Fire Department paramedic nicknamed “Dr. Death” has surrendered to begin a one-year jail term for refusing to treat a gravely ill alcoholic who subsequently died.

Robert Dougherty, 49, appeared with his attorney Monday before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge J. D. Smith, who on Oct. 14 imposed the one-year sentence. The judge had allowed Dougherty to remain free while his wife underwent a biopsy.

Dougherty pleaded guilty in July to falsifying a report, a felony, and two charges of misdemeanor gross negligence.

Milton Wagner, 42, a partially paralyzed alcoholic, died of complications of cirrhosis of the liver at his San Pedro motel room Sept. 23, 1985, while awaiting a third visit from paramedics. Dougherty in two visits earlier the same day refused to treat Wagner or take him to a hospital.

Dougherty, a 20-year veteran of the department--nicknamed “Dr. Death” by other paramedics for his treatment of patients--lost his job after Wagner’s death.