Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. For help accessing substance abuse or mental health services call the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Helpline: 800-560-5767 or 615-532-6700. Primary: (706) 348-7410. Photo: Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. The following arrests were made at the residence: For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for [emailprotected] on twitter or follow on [emailprotected] and/or Instagram. The ARPO Strike Force operates out of two hubs based in the Cincinnati, Ohio/Northern Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee, areas, supporting the 10 districts that make up the ARPO Strike Force region. Investigative Offices & Services. Beckley, WV Central Regional Drug . Nowhere is this collaboration more important than in our fight against the opioid crisis in America. Several arrests were made across North Georgia as the culmination of an 18-month investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the White County Sheriff's Office, the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office and the Hall County Sheriff's Office. Separately, a pharmacist was charged for allegedly dispensing large amounts of opioids outside the usual scope of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Like many other regions of the United States, North Georgia communities have been inundated in recent years with drug overdose deaths. Five Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges in Baldwin, GA The ARPO Strike Force is made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the 10 U.S. Attorneys Offices in the region, including the newly added Western District of Virginia, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. On Monday, August 22, 2022, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Habersham County Sheriff's Office, Cornelia Police Department, and Baldwin Police Department executed a search warrant at 1283 Shore Street in Baldwin, GA. These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, as well as the Kentucky State Police, the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, the Kentucky Office of Inspector General, the Kentucky Department of Insurance, and the Kentucky Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Major Habersham County drug bust nets five | 11alive.com ARPO is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section (HCF Unit), the U.S. Attorneys Offices for ten federal districts in six states, as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, HHS Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). ARDEO investigation nets five suspects, along with drugs, guns and cash, White County man shared life with rock legends, Residents look for answers in Harvest Church project, Woman charged with vehicular homicide in teen's death Wednesday, Kemp unsure if shelter order should end as Habersham cases surge past 200, Mount Vernon Mills plant in Alto closing in 60 days, Demorest wall to be fixed, nearly 3 years later. Four doctors, a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant were charged with the unlawful distribution of opioids. After a several month-long drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Banks County Sheriffs Office, Habersham County Sheriffs Office, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), a search warrant was executed Friday at 741 Grant Mill Road in Alto and a traffic stop was made on Highway 365 in Cornelia. A large portion of these deaths have been . DEPPB staff currently includes investigators who are registered pharmacists and sworn law enforcement officerswho work closely with the Kentucky State Police, Office of Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement agencies and Kentucky's professional licensure boards to enforce the provisions of KRS 218A and KRS 217. Christopher E. Hosey, GBI Assistant Director, Cynthia Adkins, Deputy Director of Investigations, Child Exploitation And Computer Crimes Unit, GA Law Enforcement Criminal Intelligence Analysis Certification Program. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Department for Aging and Independent Living, Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Division of Administration and Financial Management, Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services, Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Division of Long-Term Services and Supports, Division of Quality and Population Health, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning, Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement, Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs, DPH Division of Maternal and Child Health, Office of Application Technology Services, Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review, Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting, KY Controlled Substance Handbook (KRS 218A), KY Controlled Substance Regulations (KAR Title 902 Chapter 55), Kentucky Prescriptive Authority - A Guide for Pharmacists, Controlled Substance Prescribing Guideline for APRNs, Kentucky Security Prescription Blank Requirements, KASPER - Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting. These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG, as well as the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Ohio; the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and the Ohio Medical Board. ARDEO investigation nets five suspects, along with drugs, guns and cash March 28, 2022 MJ Kneiser. 35 year old Dustin Kellum of Lavonia . In the Southern District of West Virginia, a doctor was charged with allegedly distributing narcotics, including dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and amphetamine salt, to a patient who did not have a medical need for the drugs and whom the doctor never examined. Lavonia Pair Charged With Trafficking Methamphetamine In the Western District of Kentucky, a doctor was charged with controlled substance and health care fraud counts in connection with providing pre-signed, blank prescriptions to office staff who then used them to prescribe controlled substances when he was out of the office, and for directing staff at the clinic, including individuals not licensed to practice medicine, to perform medical services on patients. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriffs Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County, Franklin County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, the Cleveland Police Department and the Toccoa Police Department, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. Close. In that case, a doctor allegedly prescribed opioids in high dosages, dangerous combinations, and in many cases, after having knowledge that patients failed drug screens and were addicts, preferring cash payments and charging a concierge fee that ranged from approximately $50 per visit or $600 per year. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. The Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch (DEPPB) staffadministers and enforces the Kentucky Controlled Substances Act (KRS 218A), the Kentucky Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (KRS 217) and the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) program. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) agents received information of suspicious activity occurring at the address of 2064 New Franklin Church Road, Canon, GA. If you, a family member, friend or loved one believe you may be a victim in any of these cases or in connection with any charged defendant, please visit the following website for additional information: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/ARPO. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. 2023 Jacobs Media Corporation. In the Northern District of West Virginia, a case was brought against an orthopedic surgeon who allegedly used fraudulent prescriptions to obtain tablets of acetaminophen-codeine for his own use. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Cornelia, GA 30531, 2023The Northeast Georgian, Cornelia, Georgia. In another case, a nurse practitioner charged with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances allegedly prescribed over 500,000 Hydrocodone pills, approximately 300,000 Oxycodone pills, and approximately 300,000 benzodiazepine pills (mostly Alprazolam), along with a myriad of other controlled substances. One of the Department's most promising new initiatives is the Criminal Division's Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force, which began its work in December. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy says fentanyl was identified in 73% of overdose deaths in 2021. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen. Drug task force arrests Clarkesville man for trafficking meth near Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. Buford man shot during robbery, police searching for suspects, Forsyth County dog park to unveil statue honoring military canines, Hall County Commission approves self-storage, medical office on Thompson Bridge Road, MITRE determines Georgias elections are secure, $90,000 worth of illegal drugs found in Hall, Jackson County drug busts, Gwinnett County Police search for missing Dacula man, Burt Jones wins Republican nomination in lieutenant governor's race, Various Memorial Day events planned for North Georgia, Two Gainesville men arrested for drug trafficking, Arrest made in the death of a Gainesville homeless man. London, KY 40741. Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrested a Gainesville man on October 26 who is accused of trafficking and selling drugs. Gainesville-based Peach State Bank & Trust was recently named among the top extraordinary banks in the United States. These cases were brought with assistance from the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Kentucky Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO@appalachiandtf on twitter or follow on facebook@appalachianrdeo and/or Instagram. In July 2022, an investigation began into the alleged drug sales being conducted out of the residence. Officials said with the amount of liquid methamphetamine solution found, the lab was likely capable of producing more than 700 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with a . 15 arrested in $3.5M meth ring bust in North Georgia, GBI says Agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said they recovered 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution and 5 kilograms of finished crystal meth. Christopher E. Hosey, GBI Assistant Director, Cynthia Adkins, Deputy Director of Investigations, Child Exploitation And Computer Crimes Unit, GA Law Enforcement Criminal Intelligence Analysis Certification Program. The mission of the ARPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-jurisdictional unit which includes the following sheriff's offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson . For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for, Facebook page for Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Twitter page for Georgia Bureau of Investigation, , arrested for possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute Xanax, four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Five Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges in Baldwin, GA. A Forsyth County dog park is set to unveil a statue monument that will recognize canines who have served the armed forces. This is one of the Presidents highest priorities and we are proud to be an important part of the largest prescription opioid enforcement effort ever undertaken. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. Copyright 2022 WGCL Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. August 28, 2017. In addition, HHS announced today that since June 2018, it has excluded over 2,000 individuals from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal health care programs, which includes more than 650 providers excluded for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse. The investigation uncovered over seven types of drugs, and agents arrested two men. Two people were arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in a multi-agency drug investigation in Elbert County. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. They were charged with violations of Title 21,United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 846, which prohibit the distribution, possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Region 2 | Georgia Bureau of Investigation Investigative Division In yet another case, a doctor allegedly dispensed controlled substances and other prescription drugs directly from the clinic, and prescribed excessive quantities of controlled substances to the same patients several times per month resulting in as many as 15 pills per day for some patients. In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Hoover Police Department, the Huntsville Police Department, the Huntsville Area HIDTA Drug Task Force Strategic Counter Drug Team, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, the Alabama Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Madison County Sheriffs Office. One of the Department's most promising new initiatives is the Criminal Division's Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force, which began its work in December. Kentucky surpassed 2,000 drug overdose deaths. Casey Bubba Michael Tyler, arrested for possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute schedule Xanax, four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; Steven Wayne Boyd, arrested for four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Christopher Austin Maney, arrested for possession of methamphetamine; Cheyenne Star Wheeler, arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Two Gainesville men were arrested on Wednesday after a large amountof illegal drugs and cash were found at homes in Gainesville, Jefferson and Oakwood. 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky.All rights reserved. According to the indictment, between October 2015 and October 2017 alone, the pharmacy allegedly dispensed over 1.75 million pills. 4 talking about this. According to Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Marlar with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the arrests came last Thursday after a routine traffic stop. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, multiple State Medicaid Fraud Control Units, and other federal and state agencies. Officials said with the amount of liquid methamphetamine solution found, the lab was likely capable of producing more than 700 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with a street value of at least $7.8 million. The defendant allegedly knew that certain of these patients used their Medicare Part D and Medicaid benefits to pay for the medically unnecessary prescriptions. This case was brought in connection with assistance from the DEA and HHS-OIG. The toll-free substance abuse number is 1-844-307-1760. It is also vital that Americans struggling with addiction have access to treatment and that patients who need pain treatment do not see their care disrupted, which is why federal and local public health authorities have coordinated to ensure these needs are met in the wake of this enforcement operation. In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, the Office of Personnel Management, the U.S. Marshalls Service, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Caln Township Police. Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. The opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis in American history, and Appalachia has suffered the consequences more than perhaps any other region, Attorney General William P. Barr said. They executed a search warrant and discovered an active methamphetamine conversion lab inside one of the buildings. All rights reserved. Tennessee: If you are seeking help in Tennessee: West Virginia: If you are in West Virginia and are suffering with addiction you can find help by calling 1-844-HELP-4WV or logging in at https://HelpandHopeWV.org, For individuals seeking help in other states, please call 1-800-662-HELP. A Buford man suffered non-life-threatening injuries Friday evening after he was shot during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. On Monday, August 22, 2022, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Habersham County Sheriffs Office, Cornelia Police Department, and Baldwin Police Department executed a search warrant at 1283 Shore Street in Baldwin, GA. Just four months later, this team of federal agents and 14 prosecutors has charged 60 defendants for alleged crimes related to millions of prescription opioids. Third Floor Another case alleges that a doctor prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to at least four individuals. The Appalachia HIDTA mission is to enhance and coordinate drug enforcement efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies within areas designated as High Intensity . Child Exploitation And Computer . The following individuals were arrested during this investigation: Christopher Kyle Lee (21, Alto) possession of methamphetamine, possession of firearm during commission of crime; Jennifer Sullivan (34, Baldwin) possession of methamphetamine; Erica Bergman (31, Dacula) possession of methamphetamine; Thomas Tommy Gannon (31, Alto) trafficking methamphetamine, possession of firearm during commission of a crime, possession with intent of heroin, and possession of oxycodone; Marina Whitaker (29, Clarkesville) possession of methamphetamine with intent, and possession of heroin with intent. ATLANTA (WGCL/Gray News) - Authorities in Georgia say a tip helped them bust a multimillion-dollar meth lab this week. Authorities also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles and two firearms. The . To obtain the pills, the surgeon allegedly wrote out prescriptions using his DEA number, and in the names of a relative even though the pills were for his own use, using a drivers license that he had stolen from a colleague to obtain the pills from pharmacy. A practitioner who is unable to comply with the In a mental health crisis, call the Statewide Crisis Line: 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471). An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch. Todays announcement sends a clear message that investigations involving diversion of prescription drugshavebeen, andcontinueto be, a priority for DEA., CMS CPIis proud to work very closely everyday with our law enforcement partners to stop the exploitation of vulnerable patients and misuse of taxpayer dollars, said Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Program Integrity Alexander. An official website of the State of Georgia. Attorney General William P. Barr and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar II, together with multiple law enforcement partners, today announced enforcement actions involving 60 charged defendants across 11 federal districts, including 31 doctors, seven pharmacists, eight nurse practitioners, and seven other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in the illegal prescribing and distributing of opioids and other dangerous narcotics and for health care fraud schemes. Dexter Cobb, 42, and Chester Willis II, 31, were both arrested as part of the investigation. In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a former licensed practical nurse allegedly filled fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone in her name and in the names of others at a local pharmacy in order to obtain the pills for herself and to distribute to others. Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown In addition to assistance provided by the FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG, these cases were brought in connection with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Tennessee Office of Inspector General, and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force (28th District). The investigation is ongoing. Appalachian RDEO - Georgia Bureau of Investigation Investigative Division
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