Date: 10-27-2016

Case Style: United States of America v. Michael Paul Good

Case Number:

Judge: Not Available

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Fulton County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Lena Amanti

Defendant's Attorney: Not Available

Description: Atlanta, GA - Veterinary Clinic Owner Pays Civil Penalty to Settle Alleged Controlled Substances Act Violations

Veterinarian Michael Paul Good, owner of Town & Country Veterinary Clinic, located in Marietta, Georgia, has agreed to pay a civil settlement of $90,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Good also has agreed to additional oversight from the DEA.

“The illegal diversion of controlled substances from legitimate medical purposes is a problem facing our district and the nation,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “To prevent the diversion of controlled substances, all DEA registrants, including veterinarians, must keep careful track of their controlled substances inventory. The failure to do so may result in the imposition of significant civil monetary penalties.”

Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “The owner of Town & Country Veterinary Clinic spun a web of deception when it failed to maintain accurate recordkeeping of its inventory. Such careless behavior allows for substances to be diverted and sold on the black market with no true measure of accountability. The pursuit of civil penalties is a proactive step that DEA Diversion and its federal, state and local partners can take to discourage other negligent medical entities from engaging in such behavior.”

The government alleges that Dr. Good, among other violations, failed to keep accurate records of controlled substances, failed to report thefts or losses of controlled substances, and failed to maintain controlled substances records properly at Town & Country Veterinary Clinic in Marietta, Georgia. The claims settled are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801-904, to deter the illegal importation, manufacture, distribution, possession, and improper use of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the Controlled Substances Act, individuals and entities registered with the DEA are required to maintain complete and accurate records of all controlled substances and security systems so that no controlled substances are lost, stolen, or inappropriately dispensed. Violations of the recordkeeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties of up to $14,502 for each violation.

This case was investigated by the Tactical Diversion Squad from the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency and the Georgia Veterinary Board.

Outcome: Settled for $90,000.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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