Nicholas Vassallo | U.S. Department of Justice
A civil settlement agreement was reached on November 21 between Dr. Rodney Hartshorn, a veterinarian in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the United States Attorney's Office. Dr. Hartshorn has agreed to pay a $30,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of the Controlled Substance Act.
The investigation into Dr. Hartshorn began when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received a tip about his veterinary practice, Avenues Pet Hospital. It was reported that the practice routinely accepted returns of controlled substances from clients and placed them in an unlocked "donated" medication bin for use by other clients.
On April 23, DEA agents conducted an inspection at Avenues Pet Hospital and discovered systemic recordkeeping violations along with failures to properly safeguard controlled substances. During this inspection, DEA personnel seized controlled substances found in the "donated" medication bin.
Acting United States Attorney Eric Heimann stated, “It is through our partnership with the DEA that we can ensure DEA registrants maintain proper records and institute proper protocols so that controlled substances do not fall into the wrong hands.”
Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division said, “DEA works diligently to ensure the safety of the public by regulating the use of controlled substances. We work daily to ensure DEA registrants are using their registrations in a manner consistent with the best interests and safety for the people of Wyoming.”
The case was investigated by DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Levi Martin.
