Former Louisiana Doctor Convicted and Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances

Louisiana – A former Louisiana doctor has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegally distributing controlled substances.

On April 4, 2023, United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Randy J. Lamartiniere, age 64, formerly a doctor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of controlled substances by a physician.

The Court also sentenced Lamartiniere to three years of supervised release following his prison term and ordered the forfeiture of all property and proceeds acquired as a result of his conviction.

According to evidence produced at trial, Lamartiniere issued medically inappropriate prescriptions for substantial quantities of Adderall, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone from roughly March 2015 to January 2016 in exchange for cash. Lamartiniere charged between $100 and $300 per appointment and would not take health insurance for “doctor visits.” Lamartiniere habitually provided prescriptions for Adderall and opioids at the end of these “visits,” distributing and dispensing restricted medications he knew were not for a valid medical reason and were outside the usual course of a legitimate medical practice.

After the hearing, U.S. Attorney Gathe stated, “This prosecution and the lengthy prison sentence imposed today should serve as a reminder of the Department of Justice’s firm commitment to fighting opioid diversion, and a warning to those who would traffic and illegally dispense dangerous opioids in our community. The investigation and federal criminal prosecution have taken several years, but our commitment to this cause has never wavered. I want to thank the great work and dedication of all of the law enforcement agents and investigators who contributed to this successful prosecution, and the prosecutors in this office whose work helped lead to today’s result.”

DEA Baton Rouge District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer stated, “The DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating any medical professional that chooses to place their personal gain over patient care. This investigation demonstrates the positive effects of a collaborative law enforcement effort in Louisiana and our strong partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to pursue anyone who intends to harm the community. The lengthy sentence received by Dr. Lamartiniere reflects the damage he caused to the community and, hopefully, will deter other medical practitioners with intentions to profit by taking advantage of the public from their trusted position.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff Stassi said, “As law enforcement officers, we are held to a higher standard, as we should be, the same applies to doctors and other medical professionals. Lamartiniere betrayed the trust of his patients, and he abused his authority. His arrest and conviction are continued steps to fight the war on drugs. The persistence of the law enforcement officers that worked to build this case and the tireless efforts of the prosecutors are proof positive that we are committed to providing a safe and peaceful community.” Stassi also praised the DEA, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, state and local law enforcement colleagues, and the US Attorney’s Office for the countless hours they invested in this case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with cooperation from the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, and the Department of Health and Human Services – OIG. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul L. Pugliese, Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel and Harley W. Ferguson prosecuted the case.

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