Former Baton Rouge Doctor Convicted of Distributing Controlled Substances Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison

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 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 further sentenced Lamartiniere to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered forfeiture of all property and proceeds obtained by Lamartiniere as a result of his conviction.

According to evidence presented at trial, from in or about March 2015 through January 2016, Lamartiniere, in exchange for cash, wrote medically unnecessary prescriptions for large quantities of Adderall, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.  Lamartiniere’s fee typically ranged from $100 to $300 per visit, and he accepted no form of health insurance for “doctor visits.” At the end of these “visits,” Lamartiniere routinely issued prescriptions for Adderall and opioids, therefore, distributing and dispensing controlled substances that he knew were not for a legitimate medical purpose and 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 acknowledged the countless hours that DEA, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, our state and local law enforcement partners, and the US Attorney’s Office spent on this case and thanked them for their efforts.

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