Dr. Oscar Lightner, a 73-year-old physician from Laredo, Texas, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in operating a pill mill clinic, unlawfully prescribing over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Following a federal jury conviction on April 11, Dr. Lightner faced charges of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, as well as conspiracy. The charges stem from his role as the owner and physician at Jomori Health and Wellness, a purported Houston pain management clinic.

According to court documents and trial evidence, Dr. Lightner, along with Andres Martinez Jr., 29, Laredo, operated Jomori as a pill mill. Lightner allegedly prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances, including hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and alprazolam, to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. In return, patients paid cash amounts ranging from $250 to $500.

Martinez, the office manager of Jomori and Dr. Lightner’s stepson, played a crucial role in the operation. He reportedly coordinated with crew leaders to bring individuals, including those residing in homeless shelters, to pose as patients and obtain prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. The scheme resulted in Jomori receiving over $1.2 million in cash over 14 months.

The unlawful distribution and dispensing of more than 600,000 opioids and controlled substances were carried out through this deceptive scheme. Martinez is scheduled for sentencing on December 12.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division jointly made the announcement. The DEA conducted the investigation leading to the convictions.