Doctor, his mother found guilty of fraud

TACOMA – A doctor who once operated clinics in Tacoma, Lakewood, Lacey and Aberdeen and prescribed painkillers for hundreds of patients was convicted Thursday in federal court in Tacoma of more than 30 charges of health care fraud, tax evasion and illegal drug distribution.

The jury that found 40-year-old Antoine Johnson guilty also convicted his mother and business manager, Lawanda Johnson, of health care fraud and filing false tax returns.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Werner said Antoine Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison and his mother 10 years when they are sentenced Feb. 3.

The Johnsons shut down their clinics after they were raided in 2009 by drug and tax agents. The Johnsons were later found in Madagascar and brought back to face charges.