WHITESBURG, Ky. — A Letcher County woman has been convicted as a result of an investigation aided by Kentucky's computerized prescription reporting system.

        Wanda Jent, 47, of Blackey, was convicted last week on two of four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. A jury acquitted her of two other counts. A fifth count was dismissed.

        The jury recommended sentences of two years in prison on each of the two counts. She would be eligible for parole in about six months.

        Testimony from pharmacists and doctors showed she had received 180 Schedule II pain medications in 26 days and 100 Valium and alprazolam in three days.

        Dr. Bassel Moughrabi testified that, before he prescribed painkillers to Ms. Jent, he had specifically asked her if she was taking other pain medication and was told she was not.

        Formal sentencing is set for April 25. Ms. Jent's defense attorney said she will appeal.

        Prosecutors used the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting system, which requires that all prescriptions for controlled substances be reported to the state Cabinet for Health Services.

        Doctors, pharmacists, the state Medicaid program, grand juries, commonwealth's attorneys and police officers can contact the cabinet and request a report on a person's prescription medication if there is a “bona fide specific investigation involving a designated person.”

        Information from KASPER was squelched at Ms. Jent's trial, but defense attorney Peyton Reynolds said there is no doubt it played an important role.

        “Without the KASPER report, they probably wouldn't have been able to make a case,” Mr. Reynolds said.

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