DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
9 Results - Showing 1 to 9
PRESS RELEASE

Justice Department Sues Stockton-based Nurse Practitioner to Stop Her Sale of Illegal Opioid Prescriptions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States has filed a civil complaint against nurse practitioner Joan Rubinger, registered in Stockton, that alleges a long-running nationwide scheme to sell illegal opioid prescriptions for cash, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris announced. The...
PRESS RELEASE

Jefferson County Doctor, Staffers Accused of Conspiracy, Health Care Fraud

ST. LOUIS – A doctor with an office in St. Louis and two employees have been indicted in U.S. District Court and accused of illegally prescribing controlled substances and health care fraud. Dr. David A. Parks, 66, James M. Bilderback, 58, both of Jefferson County, Missouri, and Michelle J. Scheer...
PRESS RELEASE

Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $250,000 for Improperly Distributing Prescriptions

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - A Kansas City, Kansas, company entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that a retail pharmacy it owns violated the civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Four B. Corporation, doing business as Balls Food Stores, owns...
PRESS RELEASE

CA Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of Santa Clara Doctor for Illegal Opioid Prescription Scheme

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest of and filing of charges against Dr. Arash Padidar, a Santa Clara County doctor accused of illegally prescribing opioids to patients. The arrest and charges are the result of an investigation into an alleged two-years-long illegal prescription...
PRESS RELEASE

Former Modesto Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Prescribing Opioids

FRESNO, Calif. — Sawtantra Chopra, 76, of Modesto, pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of illegally prescribing opioids and other medication, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark announced. According to court documents, Chopra admitted prescribing drugs — including hydrocodone, alprazolam...
PRESS RELEASE

Bus Rider from Colorado Makes Prison Stop for Heroin Trafficking

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Aurora, Colo., man was sentenced in federal court today for heroin trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm while traveling through Kansas City, Mo., on a bus bound for Virginia. Izeall T. Collins, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 19 years in...
PRESS RELEASE

Merced County Doctor Indicted for Multimillion Dollar Disability Insurance Fraud Scheme, Money Laundering, and Unrelated Drug Charges

FRESNO, Calif. — On Oct. 20, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Sohail Mamdani, 46, of Los Banos, with mail fraud and money laundering in connection to a disability insurance fraud scheme, and unlawful use of a DEA registration number and fraudulently obtaining possession of a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA St. Louis Division launches website for community resources

ST. LOUIS – Unintended consequences of social distancing and isolation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can include increased substance use, experimentation and even relapse for those in treatment and recovery. To help people find support facilities, the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division, along with community partners, has launched a website...
PRESS RELEASE

St. Louis County doctor pleads guilty to fraudulently obtaining opioid narcotic prescription drugs

ST. LOUIS – Angela K. Williams, M.D., 34, of Brentwood, Missouri, pleaded guilty today to one felony charge of fraudulently obtaining oxycodone, a narcotic opioid prescription drug. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division, the Florissant Police Department, the Town and Country Police Department, and...