Local Pharmacies and Owner Agree to Pay $100,000 to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

PITTSBURGH – Accuserv Pharmacy, with two locations in North Huntington and Pittsburgh, and its owner Marvin P. Sheffler, Jr., a registered pharmacist, agreed to pay $100,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that they failed to keep and maintain accurate records of controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Controlled Substances Act mandates registered pharmacies and pharmacists to adhere to strict requirements regarding inventory control and recordkeeping. These requirements ensure that pharmacies account for controlled substances from the time of purchase until they are dispensed to patients. The alleged violations include failure to keep accurate records of hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, methadone, and carisoprodol.

"Pharmacies and pharmacists are required by law to keep accurate records to ensure that highly addictive drugs do not end up being diverted for illegal purposes," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "A failure to do so puts public safety at risk, which we can not tolerate."

The United States Attorney commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration for conducting the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Mamula handled the settlement on behalf of the United States.