McComb physician accused of trading drugs for sex
MCCOMB, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A popular McComb doctor was arrested, Wednesday.
Dr. Lawrence Stewart was taken into custody at his office, the Southwest Mississippi Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic,on Marion Street in McComb.
The 59-year-old has been charged in a 27-count federal indictment with violations of Title 21 USC 841(a)(1) – knowingly and intentionally distributing and dispensing schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances outside the scope of professional medical practice.
We've been told he traded the drugs for sexual favors.
The indictment is the result of a complex pharmaceutical drug investigation that began approximately one year ago.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux stated: “Today’s arrest should be a shot across the bow of any would-be drug dealer who wears a lab coat and masquerades as a doctor that DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, along with our local, state and federal counterparts will not tolerate this activity. The citizens of Mississippi deserve better.” Dr. Stewart made his initial appearance in Jackson today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
The case has been set for trial on February 1, 2016. The maximum penalty for distributing and dispensing a Schedule III substance outside the scope of professional practice is 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
The maximum penalty for distributing and dispensing a Schedule IV substance outside the scope of professional practice is 5 years in prison and a $250,000.00.
The maximum penalty for Distributing and dispensing a Schedule II controlled substance outside the scope of professional practice is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Medical Board, and Mississippi Board of Nursing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Dr. Larry Stewart is well known in the community, not just as a physician, but as a politician.
Stewart ran, and lost, to become the Justice Court Judge in the Northern District of Pike County, Mississippi.