In a recent development in the fight against the opioid epidemic, a superseding indictment has been filed against Henry Ronald Emery, Jr., MD, a Waxhaw, N.C. physician, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina. The charges assert that Dr. Emery engaged in a scheme involving the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, specifically buprenorphine, from at least September 2018 through 2022.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the significance of accountability for such actions, stating, "It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug carton or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable," in words that underscore a broader commitment to combatting the prescription drug crisis. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King has been vigilant in prosecuting those responsible for the illicit distribution that aggravates the opioid crisis, reinforcing the idea that the justice system will pursue individuals at any spectrum of the illegal drug trade.
The indictment specifies that Dr. Emery conspired to intentionally prescribe, dispense, and distribute a Schedule III controlled substance outside the norms of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Furthermore, he also faces charges for conspiring to unlawfully use a medical registration number not assigned to him for dispensing controlled substances. While these charges are severe, it is crucial to remember that Dr. Emery remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
This legal action is part of a broader crackdown which included the Justice Department announcing charges against a total of 193 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes resulting in over $2.75 billion in false billings furthermore, assets including cash, luxury vehicles, and gold worth over $231 million were seized in conjunction with these enforcement actions. The collective fight against the misuse of opioids and health care fraud underscores the high stakes in protecting public health and the justice system's determination to confront those who exploit societal vulnerabilities for profit.
In appreciation of the investigatory efforts, U.S. Attorney King acknowledged the work of the DEA and IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick J. Miller and William Bozin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are assigned to prosecute the case against Dr. Emery.
