Dr. Lafayette James Twyner, Controlled Substances, Iowa 2014

Former Newton Doctor Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Prescribing Controlled Substances

DES MOINES, IA – 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 Thursday, May 29, 2014, 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.

“Neither state nor federal authorities in Southern Iowa will turn a blind eye to health care professionals who criminally abuse their authority to prescribe controlled substances and bill insurance companies,” explained U.S. Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt. “The safety of the community is our top priority.”

Dr. Twyner voluntarily surrendered his registration to prescribe controlled substances on April 12, 2011, and his Iowa medical license, with a $10,000 fine, on July 12, 2012. The Urgent Care Clinic in Newton, where Dr. Twyner formerly practiced medicine, closed one month after his registration was surrendered, on May 27, 2011.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, the Newton Police Department, and the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

“Dr. Twyner's actions not only put the health of his patients at risk but also undermined the integrity of the healthcare system,” said the U.S. Attorney. “We will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who abuse their position for personal gain.”

Dr. Twyner is also required to serve three years of home confinement after he is released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, as part of his plea agreement.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/former-newton-doctor-sentenced-5-years-prison-prescribing-controlled-substances-outside