Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. An official website of the State of Georgia. According to authorities, 34-year-old Dustin Burgess and 30-year-old Uriel Mendoza were arrested and are facing several drug-related charges. These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Kentucky Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. I am grateful to the Criminal Division, their U.S. Attorney partners, and to the members of the strike force for this outstanding work that holds the promise of saving many lives in Appalachian communities., Reducing the illicit supply of opioids is a crucial element of President Trumps plan to end this public health crisis, said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. In the Northern District of West Virginia, a case was brought against an orthopedic surgeon who allegedly used fraudulent prescriptions to obtain tablets of acetaminophen-codeine for his own use. Credit: Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. Additional documents related to this announcement are available here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/documents-and-resources-april-17-2019-press-conference, Charges Involve Over 350 Thousand Prescriptions for Controlled Substances and Over 32 Million Pills; ARPO Strike Force Grows to 10 Districts, Expanding to Include the Western District of Virginia. Primary: (706) 348-7410. For the ARPO Strike force locations, in the Southern District of Ohio, six individuals, including two doctors and three registered pharmacists were charged with several counts, including unlawful distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud. The Gwinnett County Police Department is searching for a missing Dacula man who has dementia. Appalachia HIDTA Program Overview. In one case, a doctor who is alleged to have been at one time the highest prescriber of controlled substances in the state, and several pharmacists are charged with operating an alleged pill mill in Dayton, Ohio. Investigators said they also recovered a car that cost over $10,000. Chad Brown, SA. Two Gainesville men were arrested on Wednesday after a large amountof illegal drugs and cash were found at homes in Gainesville, Jefferson and Oakwood. The toll-free substance abuse number is 1-844-307-1760. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. The . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS WASHINGTON COUNTY An investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Drug Related Death Task Force, the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office, and, A drug trafficking network that served as one of the largest suppliers of illicit substances to West Virginia has been dismantled by a federal indictment returned this, 400 South Main Street In one case, the owners and operators of a medical clinic and dispensary were charged with the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the lab was equipped to manufacture crystal methamphetamine and was located in a horse stable. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. If you, a family member, friend or loved one believe you may be a victim in any of these cases or in connection with any charged defendant, please visit the following website for additional information: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/ARPO. The ARPO Strike Force is made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the 10 U.S. Attorneys Offices in the region, including the newly added Western District of Virginia, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. Just four months later, this team of federal agents and 14 prosecutors has charged 60 defendants for alleged crimes related to millions of prescription opioids. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. The defendant allegedly pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone, for patients whom he did not personally examine to determine medical necessity for the prescriptions, and pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances while he was travelling internationally. Cornelia, GA 30531, 2023The Northeast Georgian, Cornelia, Georgia. In the Western District of Tennessee, 15 individuals were charged, involving eight doctors and several other medical professionals. But the Department of Justice is doing its part to help end this crisis. Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force, DEA Middle TennesseeDrug and Violent Crime Task Force, Domestic Highway Enforcement Interdiction Plus, Middle Tennessee Drug Related Death Task Force, Sullivan County Drug-Related Death Task Force, Southwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, Beckley-Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, Hancock Brooke Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, Huntington Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, Parkersburg Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, 400 South Main Street Four doctors, a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant were charged with the unlawful distribution of opioids. We will not stand by and allow the harmful and oftentimes deadly practice of over-prescribing highly addictive drugs to continue unchecked. Sgt. ATLANTA (WGCL/Gray News) - Authorities in Georgia say a tip helped them bust a multimillion-dollar meth lab this week. According to a press release from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, officers with several nearby agencies executed search warrants at the following homes:4605 Blue Iris Way, Oakwood; 178 Gold Creek Dr, Jefferson; 939 West Ridge Road, Gainesville; and 714 Orchard Brook Dr, Gainesville. The MITRE Corporation released a report on May 27 confirming the security of Georgias election system. In the Eastern District of Tennessee, at total of eight individuals, including five doctors, a nurse practitioner, a physicians assistant, and an office manager were charged in four cases. The Trump Administrations law enforcement and public health leaders will continue to work hand in hand to end this crisis that has hit Appalachia hard and steals far too many lives across America every day.. Due to the size of the lab, agents said they contacted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Clan Lab Team to help collect evidence and dispose of hazardous materials. In addition to the cases announced today, Attorney General Barr and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that the ARPO Strike Force will expand into the Western District of Virginia, making it the tenth ARPO Strike Force district. 35 year old Dustin Kellum of Lavonia . Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. A practitioner who is unable to comply with the These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG, as well as the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Ohio; the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and the Ohio Medical Board. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. The investigation is ongoing. Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson. Officials said with the amount of liquid methamphetamine solution found, the lab was likely capable of producing more than 700 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with a street value of at least $7.8 million. An official website of the State of Georgia. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Aaron Maupin, Counties: Tennessee: If you are seeking help in Tennessee: West Virginia: If you are in West Virginia and are suffering with addiction you can find help by calling 1-844-HELP-4WV or logging in at https://HelpandHopeWV.org, For individuals seeking help in other states, please call 1-800-662-HELP. An official website of the State of Georgia. Todays takedown demonstrates the FBIs unwavering commitment to working alongside our Strike Force partners, including the HHS-OIG and DEA, to fight the opioid epidemic and related criminal activity in the Appalachian region, said FBI Executive Assistant Director Hess. In yet another case, a doctor allegedly dispensed controlled substances and other prescription drugs directly from the clinic, and prescribed excessive quantities of controlled substances to the same patients several times per month resulting in as many as 15 pills per day for some patients. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, including the ARPO Strike Force, has charged more than 200 individuals with opioid-related crimes. Charleston, WV Beckley-Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. In one case a doctor operating a clinic that focused on pain management allegedly provided pre-signed, blank prescriptions to office staff who then used them to prescribe controlled substances when he was out of the office. Casey Bubba Michael Tyler, arrested for possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute schedule Xanax, four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; Steven Wayne Boyd, arrested for four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Christopher Austin Maney, arrested for possession of methamphetamine; Cheyenne Star Wheeler, arrested for possession of methamphetamine. One of the Department's most promising new initiatives is the Criminal Division's Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force, which began its work in December. They were charged with violations of Title 21,United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 846, which prohibit the distribution, possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. According to Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Marlar with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the arrests came last Thursday after a routine traffic stop. The ARPO Strike Force operates out of two hubs based in the Cincinnati, Ohio/Northern Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee, areas, supporting the 10 districts that make up the ARPO Strike Force region. In one case, anurse practitionerwho branded himself the Rock Doc, allegedly prescribed powerful and dangerous combinations of opioids and benzodiazepines, sometimes in exchange for sexual favors; over approximately three years, the doctor allegedly prescribed approximately 500,000 hydrocodone pills, 300,000 oxycodone pills, 1,500 fentanyl patches, and more than 600,000 benzodiazepine pills. A Forsyth County dog park is set to unveil a statue monument that will recognize canines who have served the armed forces. This is one of the Presidents highest priorities and we are proud to be an important part of the largest prescription opioid enforcement effort ever undertaken. For help accessing substance abuse or mental health services call the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Helpline: 800-560-5767 or 615-532-6700. Buford man shot during robbery, police searching for suspects, Forsyth County dog park to unveil statue honoring military canines, Hall County Commission approves self-storage, medical office on Thompson Bridge Road, MITRE determines Georgias elections are secure, $90,000 worth of illegal drugs found in Hall, Jackson County drug busts, Gwinnett County Police search for missing Dacula man, Burt Jones wins Republican nomination in lieutenant governor's race, Various Memorial Day events planned for North Georgia, Two Gainesville men arrested for drug trafficking, Arrest made in the death of a Gainesville homeless man. Both had federal warrants for their arrest. All rights reserved. How you know. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, multiple State Medicaid Fraud Control Units, and other federal and state agencies. In another case, an advanced practice registered nurse at a pain management clinic allegedly wrote prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice. Torrance Nicely, 34, was charged with trafficking fentanyl and the sale of heroin. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch. In yet another case, a doctor was charged for allegedly prescribing opioids to Facebook friends who would come to his home to pick up prescriptions, and for signing prescriptions for other persons based on messenger requests to his office manager, who then allegedly delivered the signed prescriptions in exchange for cash. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriffs Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County, Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, the Cleveland Police Department and the Toccoa Police Department, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Officials said with the amount of liquid methamphetamine solution found, the lab was likely capable of producing more than 700 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with a . The Hall County Commission approved on Thursday a rezoning request allowing for the construction of a medical office and self-storage facility on Thompson Bridge Road near Mount Vernon Road. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) agents received information of suspicious activity occurring at the address of 2064 New Franklin Church Road, Canon, GA. Department for Aging and Independent Living, Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Division of Administration and Financial Management, Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services, Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Division of Long-Term Services and Supports, Division of Quality and Population Health, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning, Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement, Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs, DPH Division of Maternal and Child Health, Office of Application Technology Services, Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review, Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting, KY Controlled Substance Handbook (KRS 218A), KY Controlled Substance Regulations (KAR Title 902 Chapter 55), Kentucky Prescriptive Authority - A Guide for Pharmacists, Controlled Substance Prescribing Guideline for APRNs, Kentucky Security Prescription Blank Requirements, KASPER - Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting. To obtain the pills, the surgeon allegedly wrote out prescriptions using his DEA number, and in the names of a relative even though the pills were for his own use, using a drivers license that he had stolen from a colleague to obtain the pills from pharmacy. Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Spalding, In that case, the doctor also signed blank prescription forms to be completed by her staff when she was not at the clinic. Separately, a pharmacist was charged for allegedly dispensing large amounts of opioids outside the usual scope of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. Banks, Barrow, Cherokee, Clarke, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Greene,Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe,Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Taliaferro, Towns, Union, Walton,White, Wilkes. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. An official website of the State of Georgia. During the execution of the search warrants, authorities seized 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 130 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of methamphetamine and 18 pounds of marijuana. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. The mission of the ARPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO@appalachiandtf on twitter or follow on facebook@appalachianrdeo and/or Instagram. Joseph M. Campbell, Task Force Commander. In addition to the ARPO Strike Force districts, todays enforcement actions include cases brought in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Eastern District of Louisiana. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Copyright 2022 WGCL Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Todays announcement sends a clear message that investigations involving diversion of prescription drugshavebeen, andcontinueto be, a priority for DEA., CMS CPIis proud to work very closely everyday with our law enforcement partners to stop the exploitation of vulnerable patients and misuse of taxpayer dollars, said Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Program Integrity Alexander. The defendant allegedly knew that certain of these patients used their Medicare Part D and Medicaid benefits to pay for the medically unnecessary prescriptions. Our commitment is resolute. A large portion of these deaths have been . Another doctor charged with controlled substances violations allegedly prescribed approximately 4.2 million opioid pills, sometimes in dangerous combinations with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, and prescribed opioids to known addicts. March 28, 2022 MJ Kneiser. Christopher E. Hosey, GBI Assistant Director, Cynthia Adkins, Deputy Director of Investigations, Child Exploitation And Computer Crimes Unit, GA Law Enforcement Criminal Intelligence Analysis Certification Program. The Hall County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Banks County Sheriff's Office, ARDEO, Georgia State Patrol and Drug Enforcement Agency Atlanta Field Division were all involved in the investigation. London, KY 40741. Nowhere is this collaboration more important than in our fight against the opioid crisis in America. Read The Northeast Georgian, Cornelia, Georgia, Mailing Address: In the Southern District of West Virginia, a doctor was charged with allegedly distributing narcotics, including dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and amphetamine salt, to a patient who did not have a medical need for the drugs and whom the doctor never examined. Jan 15, 2019. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrested a Gainesville man on October 26 who is accused of trafficking and selling drugs. In another case, a physician charged with controlled substances and health care fraud violations allegedly prescribed approximately 300,000 hydrocodone pills, 200,000 oxycodone pills, 2,500 fentanyl patches, and 180,000 benzodiazepine pills, and prescribed medically unnecessary durable medical equipment that was billed to Medicare. In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a former licensed practical nurse allegedly filled fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone in her name and in the names of others at a local pharmacy in order to obtain the pills for herself and to distribute to others. An official website of the United States government. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, a total of five people were charged, including three doctors, a dentist and an office assistant who were charged in connection with several health care fraud and/or controlled substance schemes. In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Cleveland, GA - The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) has introduced a new plan in its operating area to respond to drug overdoses. Cedar Bluff, VA Twin County Narcotics Task Force. Torrance Nicely is charged with trafficking fentanyl and selling heroin. Agents seized 13 pounds of fentanyl with a street value of $32,500 during the arrest. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. KRS 218A.182 took effect Jan. 1, 2021 and mandates electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) in Kentucky. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. The investigation uncovered over seven types of drugs, and agents arrested two men. Third Floor Tazewell County Drug Task Force. Gainesville-based Peach State Bank & Trust was recently named among the top extraordinary banks in the United States. DEPPB staff currently includes investigators who are registered pharmacists and sworn law enforcement officerswho work closely with the Kentucky State Police, Office of Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement agencies and Kentucky's professional licensure boards to enforce the provisions of KRS 218A and KRS 217. . as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, HHS Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). All rights reserved. The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Two cases involve doctors who were previously sanctioned by the Tennessee Medical Board in connection with the overprescribing of opioids, one of whom was sanctioned for providing prescriptions to vulnerable patients, while the other allegedly prescribed opioid pills after serving a Board imposed term of probation. In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the U.S. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Deanna Jury, Counties: In another case, a doctor allegedly recruited prostitutes and other young women with whom he had sexual relationships to become patients at his clinic, while simultaneously allowing them and their associates to abuse illicit drugs at his house. Guns, drugs, and other paraphernalia seized in Baldwin, Habersham County, GA. An official website of the State of Georgia. A dentist was charged for alleged conduct that included writing prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice, removing teeth unnecessarily, scheduling unnecessary follow-up appointments, and billing inappropriately for services. 2440 Old Athens Hwy On Monday, August 22, 2022, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Habersham County Sheriffs Office, Cornelia Police Department, and Baldwin Police Department executed a search warrant at 1283 Shore Street in Baldwin, GA. Two Gainesville men were arrested on Wednesday after a large amount of illegal drugs and cash were found at homes in Gainesville, Jefferson and Oakwood. Special Agent in Charge Fred Wimberly We will continue working together to protect the health and well-being of all Americans and ending this terrible epidemic., Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part, by the over-prescribing of potent opioids nationwide, and unfortunately, Appalachiais at the center,said DEA Assistant Administrator Martin. In the Northern District of Alabama, multiple individuals were charged in five cases, including four doctors. Dexter Cobb, 42, and Chester Willis II, 31, were both arrested as part of the investigation. This page is here to provide information to the citizens of North Georgia on the activity of ARDEO In the Eastern District of Louisiana, a neurologist at an alleged pill mill was charged with conspiracy to dispense controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen. Appalachia Hidta. EPCS mandate may request a waiver by submitting an EPCS Temporary Exemption Request Form. After a several month-long drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Banks County Sheriffs Office, Habersham County Sheriffs Office, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), a search warrant was executed Friday at 741 Grant Mill Road in Alto and a traffic stop was made on Highway 365 in Cornelia. Official websites use .gov Christopher E. Hosey, GBI Assistant Director, Cynthia Adkins, Deputy Director of Investigations, Child Exploitation And Computer Crimes Unit, GA Law Enforcement Criminal Intelligence Analysis Certification Program. Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. Attorney General Barr and Secretary Azar were joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky; U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman for the Western District of Kentucky; U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio; U.S. Attorney William J. Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia; U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia; U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey for the Eastern District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama; U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia; Executive Assistant Director Amy Hess of the FBIs Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Gary L. Cantrell of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Assistant Administrator John J. Martin of the DEA Diversion Control Division, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Program Integrity (CPI) Alec Alexander. Additional information regarding available treatment programs and where patients can turn for assistance is available as follows: Alabama: The Alabama Department of Mental Health has a dedicated telephone number to connect those affected by the closure. In a mental health crisis, call the Statewide Crisis Line: 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471). An official website of the State of Georgia. The Appalachia HIDTA mission is to enhance and coordinate drug enforcement efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies within areas designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas by pursuing the disruption/dismantlement of Drug Trafficking Organizations, particularly as it relates to the specific drug threat of the Appalachian region. DEPPB staff currently includes investigators who are registered pharmacists and sworn law enforcement officers who work closely with the Kentucky State Police, Office of Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement agencies and Kentucky's professional licensure boards to enforce the provisions of KRS 218A and KRS 217. Appalachian RDEO; Southeastern RDEO; Southwestern RDEO; West Metro RDEO; Specialized Units.
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