Federal court orders Toledo pharmacy and two pharmacists to stop dispensing illegal doses of opioids and other controlled substances.
Shaffer Pharmacy, along with pharmacist-owner Thomas Tadsen and pharmacist Wilson Bunton, were ordered to pay a $375,000 civil penalty and undergo periodic comprehensive reviews of their dispensing practices.
Pursuant to an agreed consent judgment and permanent injunction, the court enjoined Shaffer Pharmacy and the two pharmacists from dispensing certain opioid prescriptions, including combination opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions.
The court found that the defendants repeatedly dispensed opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act by ignoring “red flags” – that is, obvious indications of drug diversion and drug-seeking behavior.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists must abide by the Controlled Substances Act and take active steps to ensure opioids are dispensed based on medical legitimacy,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The defendants will undergo periodic comprehensive reviews of their dispensing practices to ensure compliance with the order and the Controlled Substances Act.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant/respondent: Shaffer Pharmacy, Thomas Tadsen, and Wilson Bunton. Crime: Dispensing Opioids Illegitimately. City and state: Toledo, Ohio. Exact date: January 6, 2021. Sentence or outcome: $375,000 civil penalty and restrictions on opioid dispensing.
Full Story: Shaffer Pharmacy and the two pharmacists must now comply with the court’s order, which aims to combat the opioid addiction crisis in the Northern District of Ohio.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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