What Happened
Michael Gainey, 70, a family medicine doctor in Harrison County, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in February 2025 in federal court to seven counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. According to his plea agreement, he prescribed to seven patients with whom he kept personal relationships, writing dozens of prescriptions each for hydrocodone, oxycodone, gabapentin and other controlled substances outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. Sentencing was set for June 30, and he faced up to 20 years in prison on each count.
“Gainey knew and intended that the prescriptions he issued to these patients were outside the scope of legitimate medical practice”
Related Guidance
- 15 Red Flags of Drug Diversion — Behavioral and transactional indicators of diversion.
- Investigation Playbook — How to investigate suspected diversion inside an organization.