Josh Peterson

Motlow State has been selected to receive a 2019 National Association of Developmental Organizations (NADO) Impact Award from its support of regional workforce development through the Automation and Robotics Training Center (ARTC)in McMinnville.

Impact Award recipients will be recognized at a special reception during NADO’s 2019 Annual

Training Conference, scheduled for October 19-22 in Reno, Nevada.

“This project’s ability to gain traction and make swift forward motion is a product of regional public-private partnerships,” said Dr. Michael Torrence, president of Motlow. The ARTC provides short-term training and industry-recognized certifications for the world’s three leading robotics manufacturers. and provides PLC training as well. Under Torrence’s leadership, the ARTC is already expanding its course portfolio to include Mitsubishi and Rockwell training. 

Torrence has a stated mission to build other public private-partnerships that advance the needs of middle Tennessee. He holds up the ARTC success as evidence of the effectiveness in championing blended missions.

ARTC classes and outreach efforts also include teaching and training in coding and other STEM programs. The ARTC serves as the lab site for Motlow’s associate of applied sciences degree. The college seated its first cohort of degree-seeking students this fall. The facility was completed ahead of schedule, began teaching classes within two weeks of opening, and is now poised to provide instruction to national clients.

“There are scores of people who deserve a frameable copy of this award. It took a lot of teamwork to lift this initiative,” said Terri Bryson, vice president of external affairs at Motlow who, with Larry Flatt, Motlow executive director of the robotics center, led the development and launch of the ARTC. “We should all pause and reflect on the energy and power of this collaborative effort. This is not an award for an idea, or a plan, or a building. This is an award for impact, and the impact it recognizes is the result of model public-private partnerships collaborating to achieve shared missions. That’s a big deal. It endorses our regional partnership as a national model. A lot of people deserve hugs and handshakes for this award. We should all be eating cake over this piece of paper.”

“With the completion of the ARTC facility, we are now offering courses that are essential to the

needs of local industries that utilize robots,” said Flatt. “We are proud to have received this award in recognition of our hard work and dedication to meeting the region’s robotics workforce need.”

The Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), which includes Warren County, nominated the ARTC. According to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report prepared by the UCDD, workforce development is the number one priority for the region. The implementation of the ARTC was a highlight of that report.

“Motlow is grateful to UCDD for recognizing the impact the ARTC will have on workforce development in our region,” added Bryson. The NADO Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional community and economic development and improved quality of life. The projects recognized by NADO have made significant impact on specific regions and demonstrate the diversity of services and program delivery provided by regional development organizations across the country.

“NADO is a unique quality indicator for Motlow’s robotics mission,” continued Bryson. “This is national recognition for a regional initiative. To win NADO, it takes demonstrating concrete and collective advances in community, workforce and economic development.

“This is evidence that what we started is worthy of national dialog and national attention. When you can teach high-wage skills in four days in a friendly, easily accessible, student-centric, high-tech specialty facility, happily, word starts to get around.”

The ARTC, celebrated at a grand opening event earlier this year, is located adjacent to the Motlow McMinnville campus on 4.5 acres of land donated by the Warren County Commission. 

The facility is the first of its kind in Tennessee and is designed to support the specialized needs of business and industry, providing training for the top three robot manufacturers in the country: ABB, FANUC, and Yaskawa Motoman.

Under the vision and leadership of Fred Rascoe, dean of career and technical programs at Motlow State, the program also provides two-year degrees in mechatronics with a concentration in robotics. Rascoe worked with the community team that authored the Drive to 55 grant. That team included members of the Business Roundtable Action Committee (BRAC), regional economic development leaders, industry leaders, and subject matter experts throughout the region.

The 2019 Fall Career Fair, open to MTSU students and alumni, will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, inside MTSU’s Murphy Center. A searchable campus map is available at http://bit.ly/MTSUParkingMap.

Employer registration costs and other information can be found at https://mtsu.edu/career/fallfair.php.

“MTSU has a student body known by employers for their work ethic and diverse skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork, and technology,” said Dusty Doddridge, director of MTSU’s Career Development Center, which provides services such as career counseling, help with resumes, job search coaching and assistance with graduate and professional school applications. 

“Many students will be seeking entry-level employment upon graduation and internships while currently enrolled, making the Fall Career Fair a great opportunity for employers and students to connect,” Doddridge added. “Sponsorships remain available and space is limited, so register soon. This signature event typically attracts over 140 organizations and 800 students and alumni.”

The Career Development Center is located in Room 328 of the Keathley University Center. For more information, call 615-898-2500 or email career@mtsu.edu.

Billy Ray Cyrus (third from right on stage) performs “Amazing Grace” at Rotary Amphitheater Sunday morning in Manchester. (Photo by Holly Peterson, Thunder Radio)

Billy Ray Cyrus was on target with his performance Sunday morning at an 8 a.m. memorial for Channing Smith at Rotary Amphitheater in Manchester.  

The country music star struck a solemn tone early, belting the lyrics to “Amazing Grace,” with Channing’s dad playing Channing’s acoustic guitar alongside Cyrus. Channing’s brother – Joshua, along with his parents took the microphone after the song to talk about Channing’s life. Joshua also spent a significant amount of time talking about awareness and Justice for Channing, which has become a rallying cry for friends and family over the past week after Channing’s suicide, which happened after other students placed screenshots on social media outing Channing’s gay sexual orientation. 

Cyrus finished his appearance with a stripped down acoustic version of his recent hit “Old Town Road.” Following his set, Cyrus climbed onto Channing’s motorcycle and took it for a quick spin down Highway 41, much to the pleasure of those in attendance. 

After his performance, Cyrus jumped on Channing Smith’s motorcycle and took it for a ride down Highway 41 and back to Rotary Park.

During the service, Joshua Smith said that the sheriff’s department has said that criminal charges should be brought against those responsible for posting the screenshots, but that District Attorney Craig Northcott is against that. 

However, Thunder Radio spoke to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department investigator James Sherrill Thursday. Sherrill confirmed that screenshots of text messages were posted on social media that outed Smith’s sexual orientation. Sherrill reiterated the investigation is open and that the department is awaiting the results of digital forensics and will present its findings to the District Attorney’s office at a later date. Sherrill said that multiple students have been interviewed.

Northcott also released a statement that no charging decisions have been made because the investigation is not complete. He added that when all relevant facts are available, his office will advise the sheriff’s department on what charges, if any, are appropriate.

“I, like the rest of the community, am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the young life of Channing Smith. I express my heartfelt condolences to his family. My office has encouraged, cooperated in and supported the investigation into the events leading to this death. Ethically, I am prohibited from commenting on an open investigation or prosecution. However, procedurally, no charging decisions have been made by my office nor has the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department asked for a decision since the investigation has not been completed. When all relevant facts are available, my office will advise the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department on what charges, if any, we believe are appropriate to help guide it in that decision. Any report that my office has failed or refused to act is inaccurate and I wanted to clarify this for the sake of the Smith family as they do not need the added burden to the already incomprehensible pain that they are experiencing. I would ask for the everyone to extend their prayers for the family and to respect their privacy as this process moves forward.”

(Watch most of the ceremony in the video below, posted by Thunder Radio Sunday. Click here to like Thunder Radio on Facebook.)

Wreaths Across America has placed wreaths on military veterans graves at Arlington National Cemetery for 27 years. The program has grown to almost 1600 cemeteries nation-wide in 2018. The Coffee County Wreaths Across America Committee plans to place wreaths on military veterans graves in at least four Coffee County cemeteries for the third year. The committee was formed in 2017 and that year placed wreaths on some 300 military veterans graves at Oakwood Cemetery and Citizens Cemetery in Tullahoma and Hurricane Grove Cemetery in Coffee County just north of I-24 exit 105.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) — Christmas wreaths adorn head stones at Arlington National Cemetery.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

In 2018 the committee added Fredonia Cemetery in Coffee County with almost 100 military graves. Another group worked with the committee to place wreaths on Revolutionary War and Civil War graves at the Beach Grove Confederate Cemetery. If enough funds are raised another cemetery may be added.

One hundred percent of all funds collected locally is used to order and place wreaths on military veterans graves. A donation of $15 sponsors one wreath- $30 sponsors two wreaths – $75 sponsors five wreaths and $150 sponsors 10 wreaths.

Checks should be made out to Wreaths Across America and dropped off or mailed to Cyndi Clower (931) 728-9898 at Clower Automotive at 1406 McArthur St., Manchester TN 37355.

Wreaths Across America is an IRS 501c3 non-profit and donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to volunteer to help raise funds or help place wreaths call Bobbie Morse at (931) 247-4545 or Cyndi Clower at (931) 728-9898.

A ceremony to remember and honor our military veterans and lay wreaths on graves will be held at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1600 locations nation-wide on Saturday December 14th. Ceremonial wreaths will be placed at the Old Coffee County Court House ‘War Memorials’ on the square in Manchester at 9 a.m. Cemetery ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. (the same time the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery).

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department welcomes deputy Scott Steele after his graduation last week from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. 

Steele spent 12 weeks and many long hours working to being a graduate. While the department is adding Steele to the team, it also says goodbye to deputy Wendell Bowen who retired last week after serving the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department after 20 years.

Deputy Wendell Bowen, center, retired from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department after 20 years. He is pictured with Captain Frank Watkins, left, and Sheriff Chad Partin.

Deputy Steele, left, graduated from law enforcement training academy last week. (photo provided)

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Department will have National Night Out from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 1 at HV Griffin Park.

There will be bounce houses, a strong man show, child seat safety checks, as well as the THP roll over simulator, life flight helicopter and other emergency vehicles and personnel. There will be hot dogs and refreshments and the event is free to the public. 

A FEMA grant is expected to foot about 95 percent of the bill for a new $400,000 training facility for local first responders here in Coffee County – the facility will be placed in the joint industrial park.

The project has received the green light from the Coffee County Commission. This facility would benefit all local volunteer fire departments, as well as city police departments, fire departments, rescue squad, EMS and other emergency services personnel. What isn’t covered by the grant is expected to be covered by the county government and the city of Tullahoma.

The facility is not expected to be completed anytime soon, as the grant will need up to a year to be approved. 

(THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 10 A.M. SATURDAY TO REFLECT VENUE CHANGE)

Music star Billy Ray Cyrus will be coming to Manchester for an awareness event Sunday morning at Rotary Amphitheater following the suicide death of Central High School 16-year old Channing Smith.

Channing Smith took his life late Sunday, Sept. 22, after other students turned personal screen shot messages over to social media that outed Channing’s gay sexual orientation.

Channing’s brother, Joshua Smith, posted on Facebook late Friday that Cyrus would be making an appearance at 8 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 29) at Fred Deadman Park. However, the Manchester Mayor’s office confirmed to Thunder Radio early Saturday morning that the event will now be at Rotary Amphitheater – still at 8 a.m.

Cyrus is expected to perform one or two songs and address those in attendance about Channing Smith’s death.

Regarding Smith’s death, Thunder Radio spoke to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department investigator James Sherrill Thursday. According to Sherrill, screenshots of text messages were posted on social media that outed Smith’s sexual orientation. Sherrill reiterated the investigation is open and that the department is awaiting the results of digital forensics and will present its findings to the District Attorney’s office at a later date. Sherrill said that multiple students have been interviewed.

On Thursday, a few hundred people gathered, including students, community leaders and concerned citizens for a vigil and singing at Fred Deadman Park. Channing’s mom addressed all of those in attendance.

“What happened to him should never have happened,” Channing’s mom stated. “I’ll tell your right here and now. You guys need to be a little bit more aware about what you’re posting, how you’re posting it and why you’re posting it. Just because you think it’s cute, or funny to make someone embarrassed or humiliated … think again. Because if someone would have realized that, my son would not be dead. And for the people responsible: I just hope you feel the same pain we do.”

In response to reports that the Coffee County DA’s office was not planning to prosecute any crimes in this case, Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott released the following statement on Thursday:

“I, like the rest of the community, am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the young life of Channing Smith. I express my heartfelt condolences to his family. My office has encouraged, cooperated in and supported the investigation into the events leading to this death. Ethically, I am prohibited from commenting on an open investigation or prosecution. However, procedurally, no charging decisions have been made by my office nor has the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department asked for a decision since the investigation has not been completed. When all relevant facts are available, my office will advise the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department on what charges, if any, we believe are appropriate to help guide it in that decision. Any report that my office has failed or refused to act is inaccurate and I wanted to clarify this for the sake of the Smith family as they do not need the added burden to the already incomprehensible pain that they are experiencing. I would ask for the everyone to extend their prayers for the family and to respect their privacy as this process moves forward.”

The Justice Department announced this week the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, resulting in charges against 13 individuals across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through “pill mill” clinics.  Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians.  The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.

This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills.  The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.

As part of this case, on Aug. 13, 2019, Dr. Harrison Yang, age 75, of Manchester, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the coordinated action in April.  The charges stem from Yang writing prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Lou Manzo and Assistant Chief Drew Bradylyons of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Winne of the Eastern District of Tennessee.

The charges announced aggressively prosecute medical professionals whose alleged prescribing behaviors have contributed to the opioid epidemic, particularly medical professionals who are involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department.  According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.

Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section in conjunction with its ARPO Strike Force, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI, DEA and the U.S. Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  In addition, the operation includes the participation of various other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Program Integrity (CMS/CPI) announced today that all appropriate administrative actions would be taken based on these charges.

“The Department of Justice will not relent in its aggressive pursuit of those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic in Appalachia,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Medical professionals who violate their solemn oaths and peddle opioids for profit should know that we will find you and ensure that the justice system treats you like the drug dealer you are.”

“We have taken a very tough stance against those that fuel the opiate crisis at every level including pill writers, pill fillers and drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart of the Southern District of West Virginia.  “The unlawful distribution of controlled substances is a serious matter that gets my office’s full attention.  It is one of our highest priorities for prosecution as we continue with our efforts to protect the public and the people of West Virginia.  And for those that struggle or have a loved one that struggles with addiction and substance use disorder, I again urge treatment and recovery.  While we remain tough in our actions against those who feed this crisis, my sincere and prayerful hope is that everyone who needs help gets help on their path to true recovery.”

“From street corner to clinic, the Department of Justice continues to show its resolve in bringing to justice those responsible for the opioid crisis in America,” said U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town of the Northern District of Alabama.  “A federal courtroom awaits those who have sacrificed the efficacy of care for the evils of greed.”

“We said in April that the ARPO strike force was not a one-and-done spectacle, but an enduring commitment to stamp out opioid trafficking by prescription pad. We meant it,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio.  “It’s thanks to the partnership between U.S. Attorney’s offices, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners that the United States is able to investigate and prosecute not only medical professionals who are allegedly acting as drug dealers, but also the myriad other malefactors who have contributed—and are contributing—to the opioid epidemic.”

“Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, and unfortunately, causes individuals to engage in criminal behavior that contributes to the problem,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee.  “Just as this office will hold medical professionals accountable for over-prescribing opioids, we will also pursue federal charges against any person who exploits the medical profession for their own selfish desire to obtain highly addictive prescription drugs by dishonest methods.”

“Today marks another successful operation by the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force against the illegal distribution of opioids which endanger our neighbors and the communities we live in,” said Assistant Director Terry Wade of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.  “Through strong cooperation between the FBI and its law enforcement partners, the Strike Force’s coordinated efforts resulted in bringing those responsible for this egregious and costly epidemic to justice.  The FBI will continue to make illegal opioid distribution investigations a top priority.”

“Illegal diversion of opioids and other controlled substances may lead to drug addiction and deaths, as well as a drain on resources that could be used to provide legitimate healthcare services,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of HHS-OIG.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice, and enable honest healthcare providers to better serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.”

“The opioid epidemic continues to have deadly consequences for our state,” said Assistant Director Mike Cox of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Division. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to target dishonest healthcare professionals who contribute to the problem by illegitimately prescribing opioids and other medications for profit.”

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In the Southern District of Ohio, four medical professionals were charged, including three medical doctors and one doctor of osteopathy, in connection with several alleged “pill mill” controlled substance diversion and/or health care fraud schemes.

Troy Balgo, D.O., 53, of Saint Clairsville, Ohio, the elected county coroner of Belmont County, Ohio, was charged with one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, six counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of controlled substances.  These charges are based on an alleged scheme by which Balgo caused and/or conspired with others to cause submissions for health care services that he did not perform, and to prescribe controlled substances while he was out of the state or country.   Balgo is the owner and operator of two medical clinics in St. Clairsville, Belmont County.  The DEA, FBI and HHS-OIG, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

George Griffin, M.D., 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was charged with 20 counts of distribution of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.  Griffin owns and operates a solo medical practice in Cincinnati, Hamilton County.  The DEA, FBI and HHS-OIG, as well as DOD-OIG, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Thomas Romano, M.D., 69, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged with 20 counts of diversion of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.  Romano owns and operates a solo cash-only medical practice in Martin’s Ferry, Belmont County.  The DEA, FBI and HHS-OIG, as well as the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Freeda Flynn, M.D., 66, of Saint Clairsville, Ohio, was charged with eight counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud, for her alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and health care fraud for the submission of claims for services which were medically unnecessary and/or performed below medically-accepted standards.  Flynn owns and operates a solo practice with focuses on medical and opioid addiction treatment programs in St. Clairsville, Belmont County. The DEA, FBI, HHS, as well as DOD-OIG, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

In the Southern District of West Virginia, four individuals, including three doctors, were charged as part of today’s announcements.  Additionally, three doctors have pleaded guilty as a result of the April ARPO Takedown.

Dr. Michael Shramowiat, 66, of Vienna, West Virginia was charged with allegedly unlawfully distributing controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose.  This case was investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG and Hurricane Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Sean O’Connell of the Fraud Section.

Dr. Ricky Houdersheldt, 67, of Ona, West Virginia, was charged with allegedly unlawfully distributing controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose.  This case was investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG and Hurricane Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Sean O’Connell of the Fraud Section.

Dr. Sriramloo Kesari, 77, of Charleston, West Virginia, was charged with allegedly unlawfully distributing controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose.  This case was investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG and Hurricane Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Sean O’Connell of the Fraud Section.

Julie Wheeler, 43, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, owner and operator of JRW Homecare Support Services, was charged with health care fraud.  The charge stems from Wheeler’s scheme to defraud the Veterans Health Administration’s Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program.  The U.S. Veterans Affairs-CID investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Goes of the Southern District of West Virginia.

On Sept. 3, 2019, Marc Spelar, 37, of Huntington, West Virginia, a psychiatrist, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal drug distribution charged in an April 2019 indictment.  The charges stem from Spelar’s unlawful distribution of Schedule II narcotics, including dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and amphetamine salt to a patient who did not have a medical need for the drugs.  Spelar did not perform examinations of any kind prior to dispensing the narcotics even though the patient had a history of abusing narcotics.  Spelar no longer has his medical license or his DEA registration.  The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chiefs Kilby Macfadden and Daniel Griffin of the Fraud Section.

On Sept. 23, 2019, Dr. Jeffery Addison, 64, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy distribution of controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose.  The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Sean O’Connell.

On Aug. 22, 2019, Dr. Muhammed Samer Nasher-Alneam, 47, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes.  Nasher admitted to prescribing methadone pills outside of the bounds of professional medical practice and not for legitimate medical purposes.  Pursuant to his guilty plea, Nasher agreed to permanently surrender both his medical license and DEA registration.  He further agreed to never seek reinstatement of a license to practice as a medical doctor in West Virginia or any other state.   The FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, the DOL-Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Insurance Commission investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan McGonigal, Jennifer Herrald and Steve Loew of the Southern District of West Virginia.

In the Eastern District of Tennessee, two medical doctors were charged.  Additionally, one physician charged in April has pleaded guilty.

Frank McNeil, M.D., 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was charged with one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.  The charges stem from McNeil’s role in prescribing high doses of opioids with no medical legitimacy, while failing to perform urine drug screens and obtain any imaging.  The DEA, TBI, FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Louis Manzo of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne-Marie Svolto of the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Samuel Mcgaha, M.D., 69, of Sevierville, Tennessee, was charged with one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.  The charges stem from Mcgaha’s role as a family practitioner in Morristown, Tennessee, who prescribed opioids and other medications without a legitimate medical purpose.  The DEA, TBI, FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Louis Manzo of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne-Marie Svolto of the Eastern District of Tennessee.

In addition, on Aug. 13, 2019, Harrison Yang, M.D., 75, of Manchester, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the coordinated action in April.  The charges stem from Yang writing prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Lou Manzo and Assistant Chief Drew Bradylyons of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Winne of the Eastern District of Tennessee.

In the Western District of Tennessee, one defendant was charged.  Additionally, three medical professionals have pleaded guilty.

Erin Pealor, 35, of Memphis, was charged with nine counts of attempting to acquire or obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation by fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.  The charges stem from Pealor’s role in knowingly and intentionally attempting to obtain Schedule II controlled substances, namely Ritalin, Adderall, Methylin and Methylphenidate, by fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge, by filling out prescriptions with false and fraudulent patient names and forging the signature of a physician.  This case was brought with the assistance of the DEA and the State of Tennessee-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ann Weber Langley of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine of the Western District of Tennessee.

In addition, several indictments brought in the coordinated action in April 2019 have already resulted in guilty pleas.  On July 22, 2019, Michael Hellman, a physician, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.  These charges stem from Hellman prescribing Percocet and Promethazine with Codeine outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jillian Willis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Allen of the Western District of Tennessee.

On April 16, 2019, Kathryn Russell, a nurse practitioner who practiced in Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances.  Russell wrote prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice.  In an eight-week period, Russell prescribed more than 7,800 oxycodone pills, more than 6,000 benzodiazepine pills, and more than 1,000 pills of carisoprodol.

On Sept. 19, 2019, Michelle Bonifield, a Bells pharmacy technician pleaded guilty to filling an opioid prescription without a legitimate medical purpose while working at Mehr Drug Store.

In the Northern District of Alabama, one defendant charged in April 2019 has pleaded guilty.

On Aug. 6, 2019, Christopher Wray, of Arab, Alabama, a prescription forger, pleaded guilty to twelve counts of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery or deception.  Previously charged in an April 2019 indictment, the charges stem from a forgery scheme to use a local doctor’s name and DEA number to fraudulently obtain over a thousand opioids and other controlled substances.  The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Guntersville Police Department.  The case is being handled by Trial Attorney Devon Helfmeyer of the Fraud Section.

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The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force.  Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills.