Sean Ponce, Controlled Substances Act Violations, Utah 2024
In a shocking case, a Utah physician has been barred from issuing opioid prescriptions as the DOJ files suit over alleged Controlled Substances Act violations.
Dr. Sean Ponce, a medical doctor licensed in Utah, is accused of unlawfully issuing controlled substance prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
According to the complaint, Dr. Ponce catered to customer requests for opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions, at times using text messages to arrange the exchange of cash for prescriptions.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Ponce used office space in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, to meet with cash-paying customers to maintain the guise of a medical practice despite the routine lack of legitimate examinations, medical findings supporting the prescriptions, or bona-fide doctor-patient relationships.
U.S. District Judge David B. Barlow entered a stipulated preliminary injunction that the United States filed along with the complaint.
The complaint seeks a permanent injunction and civil penalties.
“The opioid addiction epidemic devastates communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will take action against those who harm patients and their families by unlawfully distributing controlled substances behind a veneer of medical legitimacy.”
According to the complaint, Dr. Ponce prescribed excessive doses of powerful opioids, often in dangerous combination with other controlled substances.
The investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Salt Lake City District Office.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Ferre of the District of Utah and Trial Attorneys Yolanda D. McCray Jones and Scott B. Dahlquist of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
The claims made in the complaint are merely allegations that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial.
Defendant/respondent: Dr. Sean Ponce
Exact criminal charges: Unlawfully issuing controlled substance prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
City and state: Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Exact date: 2024 (no specific date mentioned)
Sentence or outcome: Preliminary injunction entered, permanent injunction and civil penalties sought.
Dollar amounts: None mentioned
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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