A former prominent Cincinnati attorney will spend the next two years behind bars.
U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith sentenced Ken Lawson Wednesday afternoon. He now has 30 days to report to prison to begin serving his sentence.
Lawson pleaded guilty in September 2008 to a federal charge of conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by deception. He admitted being addicted to painkillers from 2003 to 2007 after a shoulder injury sustained during weightlifting.
Prosecutors allege Lawson used the names of clients and his own family to fraudulently get painkiller prescriptions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley alleged that Lawson organized the conspiracy, calling it a "long-term, two-year operation."
Lawson took the stand Wednesday morning and spoke directly to Judge Beckwith for 25 minutes about how he’s come to be at peace with his future.
"I can stay sober in prison or out of prison," Lawson said. "Whatever happens will be the best thing for me."
He apologized to the government, his family, his clients and all the people he said he’s hurt.
"I’m wrong. I’m sorry," Lawson said. "You tell me what I need to do to make it right. I’ve got to right my wrong. I don’t want to drink or drug anymore."
Defense Attorney David Greer asked for probation for his client saying that first-time drug offenders are usually handled in the state judicial system. He said other famous people like Rush Limbaugh and Cindy McCain avoided prison time for their self-admitted drug addictions.
"Ken Lawson has lost his name, his reputation, his house, his car – everything," Greer said. "Has he been punished enough? Yeah! I think he has. Would prison punish him more? Yes, but at what risk? He’s not going to commit a crime tomorrow."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley repeated the government’s request for a two-year prison sentence – possibly more.
"He perpetrated this scheme for two years," Oakley told the court. He was the leader and organizer. He was not a victim."
"Ken Lawson’s respect for law was non-existent, " Oakley continued. "Will a prison term act deter others? I hope so."
