A former Wichita area doctor has been found guilty of federal firearm and drug charges, leaving many shaken in the Kansas community. Dr. Lawrence M. Simons, a 57-year-old resident of Wichita, was convicted of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of controlled substances.
The jury delivered the verdict on [no date given], following a trial that revealed disturbing allegations against the physician. Prosecutors presented evidence that in 2009, Dr. Simons pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances at the Schneider Medical Clinic in Haysville, Kansas. He was subsequently sentenced to 24 months in federal prison followed by three years on supervised release in January 2010.
However, the case took a dark turn when it was discovered that Dr. Simons had given a pistol to Steven Woodin, proprietor of S&F Bail Bonds in Wichita, in April 2013. The pistol was given as a form of payment for bonding him out of jail on a $25,000 bond in a Sedgwick County District Court case involving a charge of making a criminal threat.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Dr. Simons had stored controlled substances in three storage units at the West Kellogg Stor-All in August 2009. The substances included Fentanyl, Actiq, Lortab Elixer, Ketamine, Versed, Midazolam, Brevital Sodium, Diazepam, Stadol, and Niravan.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger leading the prosecution. Dr. Simons faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each firearm count, as well as a maximum penalty of two years and a fine of not less than $2,500 on the drug count.
Sentencing is set for February 10, 2014, leaving Dr. Simons with a daunting future. As the community grapples with the shocking allegations, one thing is clear: Dr. Simons’ actions have had far-reaching consequences.
Dr. Lawrence M. Simons, 57, Wichita, Kan., was found guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of controlled substances.
Exact criminal charges: One count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of controlled substances.
City and state: Wichita, Kansas.
Exact date with month/day/year: [no date given].
Sentence or outcome: Sentencing is set for February 10, 2014.
Dollar amounts: $250,000 (maximum fine), $2,500 (minimum fine).
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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