Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 | 6:32 p.m.
CARSON CITY — A 74-year-old Las Vegas doctor has pleaded guilty to one count of selling prescriptions to powerful and highly addictive painkillers.
Dr. James E. Tinnell entered his plea in federal court in Las Vegas and faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Tinnell, an advocate of medical marijuana therapy, had been indicted in May of 12 counts of distribution of controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said Tinnell admitted he intentionally distributed oxycodone, also known as Percocet, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of his professional practice.
Percocet is used to relieve pain. Bogden said the drug can be extremely habit forming.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 3, 2012.
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