In the Northern District of Alabama, multiple individuals were charged in five cases, including four doctors. 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. 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. 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. 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. Kentucky surpassed 2,000 drug overdose deaths. In addition, the APRO Strike Force works closely with other state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. 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, the Tennessee Office of Inspector General, and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force (28th District). State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. The . London, KY 40741. Child Exploitation And Computer . Nowhere is this collaboration more important than in our fight against the opioid crisis in America. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. Appalachian Criminal Enforcement. Agents seized 13 pounds of fentanyl with a street value of $32,500 during the arrest. Appalachia HIDTA Program Overview. Our commitment is resolute. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. This case was brought in connection with assistance from the DEA and HHS-OIG. Information about substance abuse and opioids is available at the following websites: http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/pharmacy/opioid-and-heroin.html, https://mh.alabama.gov/understanding-the-opioid-crisis/, Kentucky: If you are in Kentucky and are suffering with addiction you can find help by calling 833-8KY-HELP or logging in at Findhelpnowky.org, Ohio: If you are seeking help in Ohio, please call the OhioMHAS patient helpline, at 1-877-275-6364. Joseph M. Campbell, Task Force Commander. 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. 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. In another case, a nurse practitioner charged with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances allegedly prescribed over 500,000 Hydrocodone pills, approximately 300,000 Oxycodone pills, and approximately 300,000 benzodiazepine pills (mostly Alprazolam), along with a myriad of other controlled substances. Third Floor In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Hoover Police Department, the Huntsville Police Department, the Huntsville Area HIDTA Drug Task Force Strategic Counter Drug Team, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, the Alabama Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Madison County Sheriffs Office. Two Gainesville men were arrested on Wednesday after a large amountof illegal drugs and cash were found at homes in Gainesville, Jefferson and Oakwood. In that case, the doctor also signed blank prescription forms to be completed by her staff when she was not at the clinic. For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for, Facebook page for Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Twitter page for Georgia Bureau of Investigation, , 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 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, Five Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges in Baldwin, GA. 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. Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. 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. 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. Several law enforcement agencies arrested 15 suspects accused of participating in a North Georgia meth trafficking ring that circulated $3.5 million worth of drugs in the past five . Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. An official website of the State of Georgia. 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; the 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force; the Sumner County District Attorneys Office; and the District Attorney General for the 22nd Judicial District. It is also vital that Americans struggling with addiction have access to treatment and that patients who need pain treatment do not see their care disrupted, which is why federal and local public health authorities have coordinated to ensure these needs are met in the wake of this enforcement operation. Cleveland, GA - The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) has introduced a new plan in its operating area to respond to drug overdoses. In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, the Office of Personnel Management, the U.S. Marshalls Service, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Caln Township Police. For any patients impacted by the law enforcement operations, DOJ, DEA, HHS-OIG, HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and all five State Departments of Health are deploying federal and state-level strategies to address patient harm and insure continuity of care. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Hall County Sheriffs Office, DEA Atlanta HIDTA, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force investigated this case. The opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis in American history, and Appalachia has suffered the consequences more than perhaps any other region, Attorney General William P. Barr said. All rights reserved. This case was brought in connection with assistance from the DEA and HHS-OIG. 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. An official website of the State of Georgia. 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. Sgt. 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. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. 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. They executed a search warrant and discovered an active methamphetamine conversion lab inside one of the buildings. Investigators said they also recovered a car that cost over $10,000. Several arrests were made across North Georgia as the culmination of an 18-month investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the White County Sheriff's Office, the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and the Hall County Sheriff's Office. Regional Investigative Offices. ATLANTA (WGCL/Gray News) - Authorities in Georgia say a tip helped them bust a multimillion-dollar meth lab this week. Primary: (706) 348-7410. Four doctors, a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant were charged with the unlawful distribution of opioids. Torrance Nicely is charged with trafficking fentanyl and selling heroin. 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. 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. August 28, 2017. We will not stand by and allow the harmful and oftentimes deadly practice of over-prescribing highly addictive drugs to continue unchecked. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. Special Agent in ChargeTrent Hillsman An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch. Jan 15, 2019. March 28, 2022 MJ Kneiser. Special Agent in Charge Fred Wimberly Torrance Nicely, 34, was charged with trafficking fentanyl and the sale of heroin. 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. An official website of the State of Georgia. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrested a Gainesville man on October 26 who is accused of trafficking and selling drugs. Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Harris, Heard, 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. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. On Monday, August 22, 2022, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Habersham County Sheriff's Office, Cornelia Police Department, and Baldwin Police Department executed a search warrant at 1283 Shore Street in Baldwin, GA. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, including the ARPO Strike Force, has charged more than 200 individuals with opioid-related crimes. Although initial waivers were due by Nov. 1, 2020, the Cabinet still is accepting Temporary Exemption Forms. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at the location and discovered an active methamphetamine conversion lab inside one of the buildings on the property. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Investigative Offices & Services. The drugs had an approximate street value of $91,850. An official website of the State of Georgia. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. 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. Close. Two doctors were charged with health care fraud violations. The drugs had an approximate street value of $91,850. 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 . Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. Addressing this public health issue and ensuring beneficiaries have continuity of care requires a collaborative approach with our federal, state, and local partners. 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. All rights reserved. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-jurisdictional unit which includes the following sheriff's offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson . 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. Tazewell County Drug Task Force. 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. Attorney General William P. Barr and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar II, together with multiple law enforcement partners, today announced enforcement actions involving 60 charged defendants across 11 federal districts, including 31 doctors, seven pharmacists, eight nurse practitioners, and seven other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in the illegal prescribing and distributing of opioids and other dangerous narcotics and for health care fraud schemes. Credit: Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrested a Gainesville man on October26 who is accused of trafficking and selling drugs. Guns and money were seized along with $8,000 worth of meth and heroin in a bust Friday by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. In addition, HHS announced today that since June 2018, it has excluded over 2,000 individuals from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal health care programs, which includes more than 650 providers excluded for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse. 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. 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. Official websites use .gov A month-long investigation has led to the arrest of two people in Lavonia on drug trafficking charges. 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. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. KRS 218A.182 took effect Jan. 1, 2021 and mandates electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) in Kentucky. as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, HHS Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 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. Since July 2017, DEA has issued 31 immediate suspension orders, 129 orders to show cause, and received 1,386 surrenders for cause nationwide for violations of the Controlled Substances Act. 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. An official website of the United States government. Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. 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. Appalachian RDEO; Southeastern RDEO; Southwestern RDEO; West Metro RDEO; Specialized Units. 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 Photo: Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. Agents seize $7.8 million worth of liquid meth in drug bust operation, Family mourns 18-year-old killed at after-prom party in Mississippi, Woman accused of abducting 3-year-old from mall play area, Search ongoing for Texas man accused of fatally shooting 5 neighbors, Daughter of Buccaneers LB Shaq Barrett drowns in family pool, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. According to authorities, 34-year-old Dustin Burgess and 30-year-old Uriel Mendoza were arrested and are facing several drug-related charges. WGCL reports agents began investigating after they were informed about suspicious activity at the property. 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. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. Finally, a podiatrist was charged with unlawful distribution of controlled substances. A Buford man suffered non-life-threatening injuries Friday evening after he was shot during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. In another case, a solo practitioner who operates a five-clinic family practice focusing on pain management allegedly billed Medicare for urine testing that was not done and for urine testing that was not medically necessary. Galax, VA WEST VIRGINIA. Send by mail to Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch at the address shown on the form or by email to KASPER.. 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. Guns, drugs, and other paraphernalia seized in Baldwin, Habersham County, GA. An official website of the State of Georgia. GAPS - Georgia Applicant Processing Service, Georgia Criminal History Record Restrictions, Obtaining Criminal History Record Information. Sgt. 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. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. Three of these cases are related to alleged pill mill operations in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Torrance Nicely, 34, was charged with trafficking fentanyl and the sale of heroin. Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson. According to the indictment, between October 2015 and October 2017 alone, the pharmacy allegedly dispensed over 1.75 million pills. 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. This page is here to provide information to the citizens of North Georgia on the activity of ARDEO The search warrant and traffic stop yielded approximately 100 grams of meth, approximately 15 grams of heroin, firearms, pills, and other illegal narcotics along with several thousand dollars. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. 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. Appalachia Hidta. 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky.All rights reserved. The MITRE Corporation released a report on May 27 confirming the security of Georgias election system. 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. 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. 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. . 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
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