Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Attorney General Corbett announces the arrest of a Luzerne County doctor on charges of prescription drug abuse

WILKES-BARRE - A Luzerne County podiatrist was arrested today for fraudulently obtaining prescription narcotics for his own personal use.

Attorney General Tom Corbett identified the defendant as Dr. Lawrence Kansky, D.P., 50, of 114 Timberwood Dr., Mt. Top.  Dr. Kansky had two practices: the Northeast Foot and Ankle Center, 943 Church St., Hazelton, and 62 Mountain Blvd., Mt. Top.

"It is extremely disappointing to see another medical professional charged with prescription drug abuse," Corbett said.  "These cases are becoming more common and it is unfortunate that individuals such as Dr. Kransky would risk their entire career for a temporary high.

"Pennsylvanians need to understand that prescription pain relievers, not just street drugs, are extremely addictive and powerful substances."

According to court documents, Dr. Kransky ordered more than 2,000 units of Hydrocodone from January 2006 through June 2006.  He was the number six purchaser of Hydrocodone in the state.

Corbett said Dr. Kransky's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license was registered to his personal address.  However, when Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI) and DEA agents asked him to produce the medication, he stated that the pills were not at his residence and were "probably" at one of his two offices.

Corbett said it is a violation of the DEA to register a personal address if the narcotics are not kept on the premises.

Court documents state that agents asked Dr. Kransky for patient files and inventory records that would account for the missing prescription pain medication, but he had no documentation for their whereabouts.

Dr. Kransky is charged with one count obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation or fraud. 

Dr. Kransky was arraigned today by Mountain Top Magisterial District Judge Ronald Swank and released on his own recognizance.  He also had to surrender his DEA registration.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 12 at 9:30 a.m.

(A person charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty.)

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