Two Manatee Residents Face Up to 60 Years for Trafficking Oxycodone

Two Manatee County residents face up to 60 years in prison after they were convicted were convicted of trafficking in Oxycodone and conspiracy to traffic in Oxycodone.

Celese Shere Gordon, 28, of Bradenton, and Lapar Donta Conley, 29, of Parrish will be sentenced early next year for trafficking in connection with the JW Wellness pain clinic in Tampa, which authorities closed authorities earlier this year. The two were arrested for using false patient information to obtain narcotics from the pain clinic.

“This investigation and the resulting prosecutions have effectively dismantled a major network of prescription drug trafficking in the Bradenton area,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I would like to thank the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for investigating and arresting these defendants for using false patient information to get their prescription drug supply.”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, which led to the seizure of hundreds of oxycodone pills and discontinued a major source of oxycodone to the Bradenton area, Bondi said.

JW Wellness operated in Hillsborough County and was investigated for prescribing oxycodone to patients using fraudulent medical records, according to the Attorney General's office.