Dr. Jonathan S. Clark, a physician from Poteau, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay $105,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
According to federal authorities, Dr. Clark was accused of ordering controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice, storing and dispensing these substances at an unregistered location, and failing to keep records with required details such as dates of receipt and dispensing.
The case followed an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion unit. Investigators found misuse and improper storage of controlled substances along with incomplete record-keeping.
Joseph B. Tucker, DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge who oversees operations in Oklahoma, stated: “The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tulsa Residence Office, works tirelessly to ensure doctors in our communities operate in a manner that is in the public’s best interest. When this standard is violated, those doctors will be held accountable, as is the case with Dr. Jonathan Clark,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker, who oversees operations in Oklahoma. “We hope this stands as a reminder of the DEA’s commitment to prevent, detect, investigate and hold accountable those doctors who choose to violate the Controlled Substances Act.”
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commented on the settlement: “I commend the DEA Diversion Unit for their relentless efforts to ensure physician compliance to the law,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Communities pay a high price when physicians violate laws governing dangerous and addictive substances. Through settlements like this one, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can reduce the risks to patient safety and public health posed by breaches of the Controlled Substance Act.”
The public is encouraged to report suspected violations involving controlled substances anonymously through the DEA online Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip or report concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion at https://www.justice.gov/dea/rx-abuse-online-reporting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua M. Mitts represented the United States in this matter.
Authorities emphasized that these claims are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.