Federal authorities take Marion doctor into custody (Marion Star)

Federal authorities take Marion doctor into custody

Marion Star Staff Report • February 20, 2009

MARION - A local doctor is in the custody of federal authorities after being arrested on a warrant for failure to surrender earlier this month.

Dr. Abiodun Adekene Howells, 53, formerly of Chaumont Drive, was an anesthesiologist at Smith Clinic.

Marion police arrested him on Feb. 1 at the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs. A letter to the department indicated there were no criminal charges against him and the warrant for removal/deportation was an administrative immigration matter.

Howells had a valid license to practice in the state of Ohio and a valid work permit, said Smith Clinic Executive Director David Miller. He was included in a listing of staff with his photo on the Marion General Hospital Web site. He was not an employee of MGH, said Susan Loyer, public relations specialist.

Howells resigned in January. He worked at the clinic a little less than two years. Howells was a competent doctor and properly licensed, Miller said.

Records show he first entered the U.S. in 1990.

The Cleveland Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs could not be reached for comment prior to press time.