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 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.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Jeremy Bryson and his father, Don Bryson, operated Appalachian Family Medicine (AFM), a clinic in Paintsville. Don Bryson had surrendered his medical license in 2012 following an investigation by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure into his prescribing practices. Despite this, he continued working at AFM as a “medical consultant.” The clinic operated on a cash-only basis and routinely issued illegitimate prescriptions for controlled substances to most patients. Although AFM was not registered as a pain management facility, it still prescribed controlled substances widely.
From January 2021 through early 2022, fourteen different medical providers worked at AFM; many left after only a few days. Testimony indicated 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, Jeremy Bryson instructed staff to use an absent provider’s DEA registration number without her knowledge so they could continue issuing prescriptions under her name.
The evidence also included details about money laundering: in August 2021, Jeremy Bryson used proceeds from the illegal activity to purchase a Ram 2500 pickup truck for $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.
“Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division,” announced the conviction jointly.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith is prosecuting the case.
Jeremy Bryson is scheduled for sentencing on June 2 and faces up to 20 years in prison. The final sentence will be determined according to federal guidelines and statutes.
