Wichita ? A new federal indictment implicates a Kansas doctor and his wife in nine additional patient deaths, bringing to 68 the number of fatal overdoses the government contends are linked to illegal prescription writing and a moneymaking conspiracy at their clinic.

Dr. Stephen Schneider, his wife Linda, who is a nurse, and unnamed others are accused of scheming to illegally dispense prescription drugs and defraud health insurance programs and patients through their Haysville clinic. They also are accused of money laundering. The couple are directly charged with contributing to 21 deaths.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot told defense attorneys Friday to address any issues raised by the new indictment, unveiled Thursday, and answer pending motions so a new trial date can be set. A trial had been scheduled for March 22.

Defense attorney Lawrence Williamson said the government is trying to hold the Schneiders criminally responsible for all patient deaths — including deaths ruled suicides and patients who died while the couple was imprisoned.

“They have essentially tried to blame Dr. Schneider for any death that has happened to a patient,” Williamson said.

U.S. Attorney’s office spokesman Jim Cross declined to comment other than to say “the government’s case will be explained in full during trial.”

The indictment paints a chaotic picture of the Schneiders’ clinic, saying medical records often were missing or incomplete, patients were given prescription refills after previously overdosing on the same drugs and inexperienced physician assistants received little supervision.

Prosecutors also allege the doctor left blank pads of signed prescriptions and accuse his wife of forging her husband’s signature on some scripts.