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Former Newton Doctor Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Prescribing Controlled Substances outside the Course of Usual Medical Practice and Related Health Care Fraud

DES MOINES, IA - On Thursday, May 29, 2014, Dr. Lafayette James Twyner, age 65, of Newton, Iowa, was sentenced to 5 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose on charges relating to his alleged unlawful dissemination of controlled substances to patients, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Dr. Twyner had previously pled guilty on February 21, 2014 to federal charges of illegally dispensing hydrocodone resulting in death, and health care fraud. Over the course of several years, Dr. Twyner prescribed various controlled substances, mostly pain medications, to patients who had no legitimate need for them, and to some who were admittedly addicted to them. He then billed the patients - and their insurance companies - for the office visits when they sought drugs from him.

Read more on www.justice.gov

Action Details

  • Date:May 30, 2014
  • Agency:U.S. Attorney
  • Enforcement Types:
    • Criminal and Civil Actions