Oklahoma City Doctor Pays $60,000 To Settle Civil Penalty Claims Involving Violations Of Controlled Substances Act

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -- William D. Jones, M.D., who practices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay $60,000 to the United States to settle civil penalty claims stemming from allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

The Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Sections 801 et seq. (“CSA”), was passed by Congress to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Office of Diversion Control, with a mission to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs. Under the CSA, medical providers registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer, or sell controlled substances must comply with inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting, and distribution of controlled substances. Violations of the record-keeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties.

The United States alleged that from January 1, 2009, through July 1, 2013, Dr. Jones ordered and received 5,550 dosage units of Schedule III and IV controlled substances under his DEA registration number, but failed to keep the records required by the CSA. It was also alleged that Dr. Jones dispensed controlled substances to individuals not for a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of his medical practice.

In order to resolve the civil penalty claims by the United States, Dr. Jones agreed to pay $60,000 to the government. In reaching this settlement, Dr. Jones did not admit liability, and the government did not make any concession regarding the legitimacy of the claims. The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gallegos.