Tilton Veterinarian Agrees to Pay $53,500 to Settle Allegations of Controlled Substances Act Violations

CONCORD – The Tilton Veterinarian Hospital in Tilton, and its owner Sara Laroux, D.V.M., agreed to pay the United States $53,500 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

The CSA deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances. The CSA requires the accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping of each controlled substances to prevent misuse.

“Particularly amid an opioid crisis, compliance with the CSA’s prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements is essential in ensuring that opioids and other addictive drugs are not diverted and abused,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “With the help of our partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize enforcement of this vital statute using all available tools at our disposal.”

“DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

Beginning in January 2024, the DEA conducted an investigation into allegations that Dr. Laroux’ controlled substance records at the hospital were incorrect and that controlled substances were missing.  The investigation included an on-site inspection of records, and an accountability audit of controlled substance inventories and record-keeping processes at the hospital.  The investigation revealed numerous violations of the CSA: including, Dr. Laroux’s failure to maintain complete and accurate records of the controlled substances she received, dispensed, or destroyed, her failure to conduct proper inventories of controlled substances on hand, received by the hospital, and that she had altered pages of her records and forged signatures. The investigation also revealed significant shortages of various controlled substances received by the hospital, as well as that Dr. Laroux failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances and was not present at the hospital for large periods of time while leaving controlled substances unmonitored and unsecured.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation leading to the settlement agreement. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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