A Spokane physician, Dr. Duncan Lahtinen, has agreed to pay $120,000 in penalties following allegations that he prescribed controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes or outside the usual course of professional practice. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano.
According to federal authorities, between 2017 and 2025, Dr. Lahtinen issued more than 1,400 prescriptions for controlled substances—including opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and carisoprodol—to thirteen patients. These medications are known for their potential for abuse and addiction. The government alleged that Dr. Lahtinen did not address several signs indicating substance abuse among his patients during this period.
Dr. Lahtinen had previously been sanctioned twice by the Washington Department of Health for improper prescribing practices involving controlled substances. The United States asserted that his actions made him liable under both the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act.
“Doctors are highly educated and sophisticated individuals who are trusted with the ability to prescribe controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes. When a doctor abuses that power, they trade all the principles of patient care and become drug dealers in white coats. The United States Attorney’s Office will investigate and hold accountable physicians who prescribe controlled substances in this manner,” said First Assistant Serrano.
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, stated: “DEA holds physicians who prescribe controlled substances to a very high standard so they do not become drug dealers with a medical license. Dr. Lahtinen failed to uphold this standard and DEA and our partners held him accountable.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh of HHS-OIG added: “Physicians who distribute controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice undermine the ongoing public health efforts to address the opioid crisis and the safety and well-being of the public. HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to relentlessly investigate such allegations to protect patients, the public, and American taxpayers from this dangerous conduct.”
The investigation was carried out by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Seattle Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Kelley managed this matter on behalf of the government.
