Although Senior Deputy Attorney General Scott Robinette has been the public face of the AG’s office in court proceedings and filings, Lock said Chief Deputy Julia K. Hearthway is calling the shots.

Ms. Hearthway’s “questionable conduct” had included the inaccurate assertion about how the AG’s office handles cases similar to Dr. Lowe’s; her refusal to meet with Lock and Dr. Lowe’s previous attorney; and her “cursory and unexplained dismissal” of information presented by the defense, Lock said.

Among the pieces of information Lock believes warrants a favorable plea deal is the “dearth” of dentists serving rural and minority populations, and of Mercer County dentists participating in Medicaid.

Dr. Lowe has made an “extraordinary financial sacrifice” to practice in her hometown, including turning down an offer to practice in Washington at a salary 10 times what she is making now, Lock said.

The AG’s refusal to stray from its plea offer because Dr. Lowe used employees who also were charged is “either pretext or evidence of lack of familiarity” of Dr. Lowe’s case and how the prosecutions of others similarly charged have been handled, Lock said.

Lock concluded that “decisions in this case are being based on impermissible factors such as race and gender.”

A motion for dismissal has been expected for some time, and Robinette has said he expects to oppose whatever motions Dr. Lowe files.

An 11 a.m. Jan. 3 hearing has been set before Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Christopher J. St. John.