Thursday, July 16th 2020, 10:01 pm
A local dentist and 4 others are accused of illegally prescribing prescription drugs, using the dentist's license.
The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said the dentist's crimes have been going on for years, and he warns that the DEA will crack down on medical professionals if they're doing the same thing.
Dr. Timothy Aldrich, his employees, Vandi Porter and Alyson Harvey, who are sisters, their mom Lavanda Locker, and Vandi’s husband Chris Porter have all be charged and accused of obtaining prescription drugs for personal use. Chris Porter has not been arrested.
An affidavit said the two employees would fill prescriptions in their names or their family members’ names under Dr. Aldrich’s DEA number and bring the pills back to Aldrich.
It said between 2011 and 2018, there were more than 300 drug prescriptions filled under Aldrich’s number and more than 25,000 pills-- for painkillers Oxycodone, Tramadol and Hydrocodone.
“Thousands of prescription pills were received, and a lot were then providing back to the doctor for his own personal use," said John Scott.
John Scott is the head of Oklahoma’s DEA. He said the drugs are very dangerous if not properly administered.
“These are highly addictive drugs that should be used when prescribed by a doctor," Scott said.
Scott said the DEA and Oklahoma Board of Dentistry worked together on the investigation. So far, all have been arrested except Chris Porter.
Scott said it's a good reminder the DEA will go after any medical professionals that are committing similar crimes.
“If you’re a doctor operating outside the scope of normal business practices you will be identified, we will investigate you and you will be charged and brought to justice," Scott said.
Aldrich bonded out of jail. News On 6 left a message at Aldrich's office for comment but have not yet heard back.
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