ARDEO investigation nets five suspects, along with drugs, guns and cash, White County man shared life with rock legends, Residents look for answers in Harvest Church project, Woman charged with vehicular homicide in teen's death Wednesday, Kemp unsure if shelter order should end as Habersham cases surge past 200, Mount Vernon Mills plant in Alto closing in 60 days, Demorest wall to be fixed, nearly 3 years later. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Copyright 2022 WGCL Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. GAPS - Georgia Applicant Processing Service, Georgia Criminal History Record Restrictions, Obtaining Criminal History Record Information. According to the CDC, approximately 130 Americans die every day of an opioid overdose. 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. Cedar Bluff, VA Twin County Narcotics Task Force. Region 1; Region 2; Region 3; Region 4; Region 5; Region 6; Region 7; Region 8; Region 9; Region 10; Region 11; Region 12; Region 13; Region 14; Region 15; Regional Drug Enforcement Offices. 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. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. 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. 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. 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. Special Agent in Charge Fred Wimberly Primary: (706) 348-7410. How you know. Both had federal warrants for their arrest. A Buford man suffered non-life-threatening injuries Friday evening after he was shot during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. Tazewell County Drug Task Force. 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. Four doctors, a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant were charged with the unlawful distribution of opioids. 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. The following arrests were made at the residence: For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for [emailprotected] on twitter or follow on [emailprotected] and/or Instagram. 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 . Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. 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. 35 year old Dustin Kellum of Lavonia . Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. No front page content has been created yet. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. The investigation uncovered over seven types of drugs, and agents arrested two men. 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 Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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 estimate the street cost of all the . 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. 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. London, KY 40741. The Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch (DEPPB) staffadministers and enforces the Kentucky Controlled Substances Act (KRS 218A), the Kentucky Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (KRS 217) and the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) program. Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Spalding, All rights reserved. The defendant allegedly knew that certain of these patients used their Medicare Part D and Medicaid benefits to pay for the medically unnecessary prescriptions. 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. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. August 28, 2017. 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. 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. For a referral to addiction treatment services, call the Tennessee REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 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. 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. 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. 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. In the Western District of Tennessee, 15 individuals were charged, involving eight doctors and several other medical professionals. Credit: Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Kentucky Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 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. Three of these cases are related to alleged pill mill operations in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Kentucky surpassed 2,000 drug overdose deathsin a single year for the first time ever, according to a newly released report. Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. 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 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 . 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 Supervisor, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 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. The following individuals were arrested during this investigation: Christopher Kyle Lee (21, Alto) possession of methamphetamine, possession of firearm during commission of crime; Jennifer Sullivan (34, Baldwin) possession of methamphetamine; Erica Bergman (31, Dacula) possession of methamphetamine; Thomas Tommy Gannon (31, Alto) trafficking methamphetamine, possession of firearm during commission of a crime, possession with intent of heroin, and possession of oxycodone; Marina Whitaker (29, Clarkesville) possession of methamphetamine with intent, and possession of heroin with intent. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. The . 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. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of sheriffs offices across the region, including Habersham County. According to the indictment, between October 2015 and October 2017 alone, the pharmacy allegedly dispensed over 1.75 million pills. 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. A Forsyth County dog park is set to unveil a statue monument that will recognize canines who have served the armed forces. 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. 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. Two doctors were charged with health care fraud violations. Nowhere is this collaboration more important than in our fight against the opioid crisis in America. The drugs had an approximate street value of $91,850. 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. 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. 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. An official website of the State of Georgia. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) agents received information of suspicious activity occurring at the address of 2064 New Franklin Church Road, Canon, GA. 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky.All rights reserved. Special Agent in ChargeTrent Hillsman In addition, the operation . Like many other regions of the United States, North Georgia communities have been inundated in recent years with drug overdose deaths. . State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. 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. 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. Galax, VA WEST VIRGINIA. Departments of Veterans Affairs Office of Investigations. Close. Appalachia Hidta. Sgt. This page is here to provide information to the citizens of North Georgia on the activity of ARDEO The charges announced today involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a priority for the Department. In that case, the doctor also signed blank prescription forms to be completed by her staff when she was not at the clinic. Torrance Nicely, 34, was charged with trafficking fentanyl and the sale of heroin. 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. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. Charleston, WV Beckley-Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This case was brought in connection with assistance from the DEA and HHS-OIG. 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. 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. Two Gainesville men were arrested on Wednesday after a large amountof illegal drugs and cash were found at homes in Gainesville, Jefferson and Oakwood. WGCL reports agents began investigating after they were informed about suspicious activity at the property. KRS 218A.182 took effect Jan. 1, 2021 and mandates electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) in Kentucky. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. The drugs had an approximate street value of $91,850. 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. 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. 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. Official websites use .gov Regional Investigative Offices. 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. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen. But the Department of Justice is doing its part to help end this crisis. 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.. Assistant Special Agentin Charge Tony Lima 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 Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. 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. 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 Tennessee Office of Inspector General, and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force (28th District). 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. We will continue to work tirelessly through investigation, data coordination and administrative action to protect the health and wellbeing of all Americans.. 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. The investigation is ongoing. 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 . Click the map image above to see the counties we serve. 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. We will not stand by and allow the harmful and oftentimes deadly practice of over-prescribing highly addictive drugs to continue unchecked. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, including the ARPO Strike Force, has charged more than 200 individuals with opioid-related crimes. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. 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. 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. This line is staffed Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. Read The Northeast Georgian, Cornelia, Georgia, Mailing Address: 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. Ryan Higginbotham. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. 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. A large quantity of marijuana, methamphetamine, a little over $3,000 cash, and multiple firearms were seized during a drug bust in Habersham . Appalachia HIDTA Program Overview. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. 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. March 28, 2022 MJ Kneiser. 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. 4 talking about this. Two people were arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in a multi-agency drug investigation in Elbert County. Child Exploitation And Computer . Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson. 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. Robert Richards. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen. 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 . A practitioner who is unable to comply with the Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia.
