A federal jury in Frankfort, Kentucky, has convicted Jeremy Bryson, 47, of Harrodsburg on multiple charges related to the unlawful distribution of controlled substances. The verdict was reached after an eight-day trial and about two hours of jury deliberation.
Bryson was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, six counts of distribution of controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to use a DEA registration issued to another person, and one count of money laundering.
During the trial, evidence showed that Jeremy Bryson and his father, Don Bryson, operated Appalachian Family Medicine (AFM), a clinic in Paintsville. Don Bryson had previously surrendered his medical license in 2012 following an investigation by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure into his prescribing practices. Despite this, he worked as a “medical consultant” at AFM under Jeremy Bryson’s management.
Testimony indicated that AFM operated as a cash-only clinic where most patients received prescriptions for controlled substances. Although it was not registered as a pain management facility, AFM regularly issued such prescriptions. Between January 2021 and early 2022, fourteen different medical providers worked at AFM; many left after only a few days. Evidence suggested that Jeremy and Don Bryson pressured these temporary providers to issue prescriptions while limiting their time with patients and restricting access to drug testing and prescription monitoring tools.
In August and September 2021, staff at the clinic were directed by Jeremy Bryson to use an absent provider’s DEA registration number without her knowledge to continue issuing prescriptions for controlled substances.
Further evidence presented at trial showed that in August 2021 Jeremy Bryson laundered proceeds from these offenses through the purchase of a Ram 2500 pickup truck with a check payment totaling $67,466.40.
Don Bryson pleaded guilty in June 2024 to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 2.
The conviction was announced jointly by Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge with the DEA Louisville Field Division.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith is prosecuting on behalf of the government.
Jeremy Bryson is scheduled for sentencing on June 2. He faces up to twenty years in prison; however, sentencing will be determined according to federal guidelines and statutes.
"Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division jointly announced the conviction."
