A Tompkinsville doctor is in trouble after investigators say he prescribed a controlled substance to a patient without a medical purpose.

Kentucky State Police say 74-year-old Dr. James E. Carter of Tompkinsville admitted that between January and February of 2003, he prescribed Tylox twice to a patient with no medical purpose. Tylox is a schedule-two controlled substance.

Investigators say the patient even told Dr. Carter he wanted the prescription so he could sell the pills to help pay bills. This comes after a three-year investigation by several different agencies.

Dr. Carter is charged with distributing drugs without any medical purpose. His maximum potential penalties are ten years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine and three years supervised release.