Narcotics Detectives Arrest Pinellas Doctor For Obtaining Prescriptions Fraudulently

News Release#14-321 Who: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Investigative Operations Bureau -Narcotics Division Lynne C. Columbus (Arrested) DOB: 09/05/1964 Charges: 2 Counts of Obtain or Attempt to Obtain Controlled Substance By Fraud What: Detectives assigned to the Narcotics division have arrested a doctor who obtained prescription medication at various pharmacies by using fraudulent prescriptions. When: The suspect was arrested on Monday, December 1, 2014. Where: The suspect filled the prescriptions at various pharmacies within Pinellas County. The suspect was arrested at her place of practice, Gulf Coast Pain Management located at 3001 Eastland Blvd. in Clearwater. Why/How: Detectives assigned to the Narcotics Division have arrested a Pinellas County doctor for obtaining prescription medication at various pharmacies by using fraudulent prescriptions. According to detectives, the investigation began in November of 2014 after they received a tip that the suspect was writing prescriptions using patient’s names and attempting to fill prescriptions of Oxycodone for herself. Through various investigative techniques the suspect was identified as 50-year-old Dr. Lynne C. Columbus. Detectives met with Dr. Columbus on Monday, December 1, 2014 and she was arrested and charged with two counts of Obtain or Attempt to Obtain Controlled Substance By Fraud. She was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident. The investigation continues.