PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh doctor has been slapped with federal punishment after pleading guilty to illegally distributing oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Dr. Alan Barnett, 69, was sentenced to five years of probation, including eight months of home detention, 250 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The sentence was handed down yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in federal court. Barnett, a licensed physician until 2015, admitted to possessing and distributing oxycodone outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. His actions fueled the opioid crisis that has ravaged communities across Pennsylvania.
Court documents show Barnett abused his medical authority to push powerful painkillers without valid prescriptions. The investigation revealed he dispensed oxycodone with no legitimate medical purpose, turning his practice into a backdoor pharmacy for controlled substances. Federal agents moved in after evidence mounted of systemic violations.
On December 1, 2015, Barnett was interviewed by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). That same day, he surrendered his DEA license, effectively ending his ability to prescribe controlled medications. The surrender came amid mounting pressure and undeniable evidence of criminal conduct.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar, who built a damning case based on medical records, prescription logs, and witness testimony. Federal authorities described Barnett’s actions as a betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to public health.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song credited the FBI and DEA for their relentless investigation that led to Barnett’s conviction. “Doctors who exploit their licenses to traffic in opioids will be held accountable,” Song said. “This sentence sends a message: the medical badge is not a shield for crime.”
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- Pennsylvania Teen Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution in WV · Maryland
- Pittsburgh Teen Nyzhon Bell Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution · West Virginia
- Leon Little, Colise Harmon Convicted in 380K Oxycodone Pill Scheme · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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