Federal Crimes

Recent Cases

Drug conspiracy charges and possible defenses for pharmacists charged in “Operation Faux Pharmacy”

December 6, 2017

The DEA announced today that it has launched “Operation Faux Pharmacy,” a large-scale investigation targeting 26 pharmacies across California, Hawaii, and Nevada. As the name Operation Faux Pharmacy suggests, the DEA is investigating whether these pharmacies distributed prescription opioids “outside the bounds of legitimate medicine” and in violation of the Controlled Substances Act…

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New fentanyl conspiracy charges in North Dakota and Mississippi

October 21, 2017

Fentanyl conspiracy charges were filed this week after federal grand juries in Mississippi and North Dakota charged two Chinese nationals and their American and Canadian associates with allegations of importing and distributing fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other drugs. I completely understand the government’s focus on fentanyl (it is indeed a dangerous drug), but these indictment…

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Chuck Person and Rashan Michel are Not Guilty

September 29, 2017

If you were surprised to learn that college basketball is infected by money, you really haven’t been paying attention. But the story told in the criminal complaint filed this week against Auburn University basketball coach Chuck Person and Rashan Michel is fascinating and disturbing at the same time. The story reads like a tragic fall […]

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Some computer searches may be unconstitutional

September 7, 2017

In today’s electronic world, law enforcement officials investigating crimes often seek warrants to search and seize electronic devices that they believe contain incriminating evidence. However, people also store highly personal information on their electronic devices, from memories to entire conversations. Most of this electronically stored information is often irrelevant to the crime…

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New Healthcare Fraud Arrests and “Pill Mill” Allegations for Prescribing Opioids

July 13, 2017

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals were arrested across the country today in a massive healthcare fraud and opioid prescribing case. The case focuses on Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE fraud as well as prescribing unnecessary compound drugs and prescription opioids like fentanyl. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force organized the arrests and targeted doctors, nurses, and health…

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