Leander Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegal Prescription Drug Distribution

In Austin this afternoon, Leander physician 47–year-old Ronald Michael Mansolo pleaded guilty to writing prescriptions for controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division.

Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Mark Lane, Dr. Mansolo pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful dispensing of controlled substances.  By pleading guilty, Dr. Mansolo admitted that from January 2009 to August 2013, he knowingly dispensed controlled substances including brand name and generic Ritalin, Adderall and Focalin as well as hydrocodone, Carispodol and Xanax without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice.

According to the court records, Dr. Mansolo operates Leander Primary Care and used to operate RapidCare, an afterhours pain management clinic in Cedar Park, TX.  Throughout the time of the offense, Dr. Mansolo wrote and issued numerous unlawful prescriptions knowing that such practice could result in dependence and addiction.  Dr. Mansolo prescribed excessive amounts to certain patients knowing that they would either abuse the controlled substances personally or subsequently distribute the controlled substances to other individuals.  Contrary to accepted medical practice, Dr. Mansolo prescribed controlled substances to patients without first conducting a physical examination in order to verify the patient’s claimed illness or condition; without reviewing patients’ drug screen tests; or, despite obvious indications that the patients were abusing, misusing, or distributing the controlled substances he prescribed.

Dr. Mansolo faces up to two years in federal prison.  He remains on bond pending sentencing later this year before United States District Judge Lee Yeakel in Austin.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Gardner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.