United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ORMAND BEACH, Florida - The Drug Enforcement (DEA) Central Florida Region Office arrested Howard Perch near his residence in Ormond Beach, Florida, on charges of obtaining controlled substances by fraud and providing false info to obtain them.

Perch is the Executive Director of Florida Hospital Oceanside in Ormond Beach, Florida.  
A two year investigation revealed Perch fraudulently used several Florida Hospital doctors’ DEA registration numbers to obtain controlled substances, such as hydrocodone. 

Perch used the doctors’ DEA registration numbers without their consent nor their knowledge. 
During this time, Perch also frequented several additional doctors within the Central Florida area, and provided them with false and/or misleading information in order to obtain medications such as hydrocodone.

On one or more occasions, Perch obtained controlled substances utilizing his family members’ personal information.   This included the use of his juvenile child’s personal information.
"The investigation and subsequent arrest of Howard Perch illustrates that the perils associated with the
illegal diversion of pharmaceuticals drugs has and can infiltrate all levels of society. We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those responsible for circumventing the legal process of acquiring of these pharmaceuticals." said Jeffrey Walsh, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Central Florida Region Office.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood added “The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will always work aggressively with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to follow these narcotics investigations wherever they lead us, whether it’s a major drug supplier or a white collar executive abusing their position to illegally obtain controlled substances.  Together, we will ensure that those who resort to criminal activities are held accountable.”

This investigation was conducted by the DEA Central Florida Region Office, in conjunction with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department.  The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida.