SALT LAKE CITY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Utah), published as received.

SALT LAKE CITY – Dr. Joe Roundy, a licensed veterinarian and the owner of the Tooele Veterinary Clinic in Tooele, Utah, has been ordered to pay the United States $78,455 and restrict his prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances for violations of multiple provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”).

According to the allegations made by the United States, Dr. Roundy failed to properly inventory, track, and maintain control over controlled substances, including opioids such as oxycodone and morphine over a period of several years of practicing as a veterinarian and operating an active animal clinic. By not properly inventorying, tracking, maintaining control over, and storing the controlled substances, he violated the Controlled Substances Act.  These violations were discovered by DEA investigators during an on-site inspection of Dr. Roundy’s veterinary clinic, which included an audit of his drug control practices.  DEA investigators found CSA violations with respect to all eighteen of the eighteen controlled substances audited. Dr. Roundy could not locate or account for a significant number of the controlled substances the DEA audited.

“When those trusted to prescribe dangerous opioids and other medications like Dr. Roundy don’t track and control their opioids carefully, they create the potential to contribute to the menace of opioid abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrea Martinez.  “The court’s order has cost Dr. Roundy a significant monetary penalty and has severely restricted his ability to prescribe and administer powerful opioids and other medications.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to ensuring that those entrusted with the ability to prescribe controlled substances, regardless of their profession, do so in a safe, responsible manner,” said Utah DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Tinkler. “This investigation highlights the critical role that DEA Diversion Investigators play in safeguarding the public from the dangers associated with the potential misuse of prescription drugs”.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office.

The statements in this release are only allegations.  In entering into a civil settlement and agreeing to the court’s entering an order against him, Dr. Roundy did not admit to liability, and the order indicates that the parties entered into the settlement to avoid the uncertainty and expense of further litigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Ferre handled this matter on behalf of the United States.