Poteau Physician Agrees To Pay $150,000 To Resolve Allegations Of Controlled Substances Act Violations

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dr. Jonathan S. Clark, D.O., of Poteau, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay $105,000.00 to settle allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act.

The United States alleged that Dr. Clark ordered controlled substances outside the course of professional practice, stored and dispensed controlled substances at an unregistered location, and failed to maintain records containing the dates that substances were received and dispensed as required under the Controlled Substances Act.

The settlement was the result of a Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion investigation that determined the misuse and improper storage of controlled substances, and the failure to maintain a complete and accurate record of the controlled substances.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tulsa Residence Office, works tirelessly to ensure doctors in our communities operate in a manner that is in the public’s best interest. When this standard is violated, those doctors will be held accountable, as is the case with Dr. Jonathan Clark,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker, who oversees operations in Oklahoma.  “We hope this stands as a reminder of the DEA’s commitment to prevent, detect, investigate and hold accountable those doctors who choose to violate the Controlled Substances Act.”

“I commend the DEA Diversion Unit for their relentless efforts to ensure physician compliance to the law,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Communities pay a high price when physicians violate laws governing dangerous and addictive substances. Through settlements like this one, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can reduce the risks to patient safety and public health posed by breaches of the Controlled Substance Act.”

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting | USDOJ.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua M. Mitts represented the matter for the United States.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.