Kingsport physician enters plea agreement

Kingsport physician Dr. Scott McLain has entered an agreement with federal prosecutors, pleading guilty to two felony counts that each carry a maximum prison sentence of five years. The agreement includes guilty pleas to a count of “false statements relating to health care matters” and another count of knowingly distributing Xanax without a legitimate medical purpose.
McLain also faces a negotiated monetary forfeiture of up to $90,000. Both counts also include the possibility of fines up to $250,000 and supervised release of up to one year in the false statements count and one year in the prescribing count. McLain was arrested July 1 after a multi-year investigation. A sentencing date has not been set.