Police: Doctor Charged With Prescription Fraud

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a doctor accused of obtaining medicine by using fake prescriptions at pharmacies.

Lynne C. Columbus, 50, is charged with 2 counts of obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. Columbus was arrested on Dec. 1 at her practice, Gulf Coast Pain Management, at 3001 Eastland Blvd. in Clearwater.

According to deputies, the suspect filed the prescriptions at various pharmacies in Pinellas County using the names of patients in an attempt to fill prescriptions of Oxycodone for herself.

The investigation continues, according to a Sheriff’s Office release.

The Gulf Coast Pain Management website notes Columbus has won several awards, including “Best of Palm Harbor.” She is listed as president of the practice.