Manatee County Doctor Pleads Guilty In Oxycodone Case

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Dr. John Lanning (79, Anna Maria, Florida) yesterday pleaded guilty to causing Oxycodone to be dispensed and distributed not for a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice. Lanning faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, in March 2010, Lanning started working as a physician at the 1910 Medical Clinic (the “Clinic”), which was located at 1910 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. Lanning worked there until May 2010. During that time period, Lanning quickly learned that the Clinic was designed by its owner-operators to function as, and did operate as, a “pill mill.” While at the Clinic, Lanning would regularly see between 20 and 30 patients a day.

On April 26, 2010, an undercover detective (UC) visited the Bradenton Clinic posing as a pain management patient. After receiving an MRI examination, the UC was ultimately seen by Dr. Lanning, who reviewed the MRI and advised the UC that he had a protruding disk that was almost herniated. The UC never had a history of back pain, injury, or any other back problems. After a cursory examination, Lanning then provided the UC with a prescription for 90 dosage units of 15 mg Oxycodone.  Dr. Lanning admitted that this Oxycodone was not prescribed for a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of proper and professional practice.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson.