83_FR_58823 83 FR 58599 - Edward A. Ridgill, M.D.; Decision and Order

83 FR 58599 - Edward A. Ridgill, M.D.; Decision and Order

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 224 (November 20, 2018)

Page Range58599-58601
FR Document2018-25224

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58599-58601]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25224]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration


Edward A. Ridgill, M.D.; Decision and Order

    On May 15, 2018, the Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control 
Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), issued an Order to 
Show Cause to Edward A. Ridgill, M.D., (Applicant), of Whittier, 
California. The Show Cause Order proposed the denial of Applicant's 
application for a DEA Certificate of Registration, ``Application Number 
W15031876C,'' as a practitioner on the grounds that Applicant ``ha[s] 
been convicted of a felony relating to controlled substances'' and 
because granting Respondent a ``registration would be inconsistent with 
the public interest.'' Appendix (App.) 1 to Government's Request for 
Final Agency Action (RFAA), at 1 (citing 21 U.S.C. 823(f), 824(a)(2), 
(a)(4)).
    With respect to the Agency's jurisdiction, the Show Cause Order 
alleged that on May 4, 2015, Applicant submitted an application for a 
DEA registration ``to handle controlled substances in Schedules II-IV, 
with Application Number W15031876C, at 4130 Eadhill Place, Whittier, 
CA.'' Id. at 2.\1\
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    \1\ The Show Cause Order also alleged that Applicant was 
previously ``registered with the DEA as a practitioner authorized to 
handle controlled substances in Schedules II-V'' under DEA 
Certificate of Registration No. FR3094997 at 3625 E. Martin Luther 
King Boulevard, Suite 9, Lynwood, California. Id. at 1. The Order 
alleged that Applicant ``voluntarily surrendered'' this registration 
on March 12, 2015 ``during [his] arrest for conspiracy to distribute 
controlled substances.'' Id.
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    As to the substantive grounds for the proceeding, the Show Cause 
Order alleged that ``[o]n or about December 4, 2017, a jury convicted'' 
Applicant of 26 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled 
substances (specifically, hydrocodone, alprazolam, and carisoprodol) in 
violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. 2 and that the 
``[j]udgment was entered on April 23, 2018.'' Id. The Order asserted 
that Respondent's ``[c]onviction of a felony relating to controlled 
substances warrants denial of [his] application for registration.'' Id. 
(citing 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(2)). The Order also asserted that granting 
Respondent's application would be ``inconsistent with the public 
interest'' in light of his felony convictions. Id. (citing 21 U.S.C. 
823(f), 824(a)(4)).
    The Show Cause Order notified Applicant of (1) his right to request 
a hearing on the allegations or to submit a written statement in lieu 
of a hearing, (2) the procedure for electing either option, and (3) the 
consequence for failing to elect either option. Id. at 2-3. (citing 21 
CFR 1301.43). The Order also notified Applicant of his right to submit 
a corrective action plan. Id. at 3-4 (citing 21 U.S.C. 824(c)(2)(C)).
    With respect to service, a Diversion Investigator (DI) with DEA's 
Los Angeles Field Division executed a Declaration on September 19, 2018 
stating that she ``learned that following his conviction, [Applicant] 
was incarcerated at Victorville Federal Prison . . . in Adelanto, CA.'' 
App. 4 (Declaration of DI) to RFAA, at 2. As a result, the DI stated in 
her Declaration that she mailed a copy of the Show Cause Order by 
certified mail and addressed it to Applicant at the Victorville United 
States Penitentiary in Adelanto, California. Id. \2\ In her 
Declaration, the DI attached and authenticated a return receipt from 
the U.S. Postal Service confirming that the mailing was so addressed 
and was delivered to that penitentiary on June 15, 2018. Id.; see 
Attachment A to App. 4. I therefore find that the Government 
accomplished service on June 15, 2018. See Warren B. Dailey, M.D., 82 
FR 46525, 46526 (2017) (holding that sending Show Cause Order to 
Respondent by certified mail at U.S. penitentiary and with proof of 
return receipt was sufficient to establish that Government lawfully 
accomplished service).
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    \2\ The DI also stated in her Declaration that the Show Cause 
Order ``was emailed to [Applicant's] criminal defense attorney'' by 
a Task Force Officer ``on or about June 11, 2018.'' Id. However, 
this attempt at service of the Order pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(c), 
standing alone, would be insufficient for at least two reasons. 
First, the Government failed to establish that the attorney had 
``the power to accept service'' on behalf of the Applicant in this 
proceeding. Warren B. Dailey, M.D., 82 FR 46525, 46526 (2017) 
(internal citations and quotations omitted). Second, assuming the 
attorney had such authority, the record does not contain (1) a 
statement that explains whether the DI had independent personal 
knowledge of the email, (2) a declaration from the Task Force 
Officer or another declarant who has personal knowledge of the 
email, or (3) any other evidence corroborating the DI's statement 
that the Task Force Officer had emailed the attorney. Cf. Richard 
Hauser, M.D., 83 FR 26308, 26309 n.5 (2018) (finding that a DI's 
declaration that he ``verified'' a document's authenticity by 
conferring with another DI was insufficient absent a declaration 
from a DI with personal knowledge of the document's authenticity or 
other evidence to corroborate its authenticity).
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    On October 3, 2018, the Government forwarded its Request for Final 
Agency Action and evidentiary record to my Office. In its Request, the 
Government represents that more than 30 days had passed since Applicant 
had been served and that ``DEA had not received a request for hearing 
or any other reply'' from him during that time. RFAA, at 3. Based on 
the Government's representation and the record, I find that more than 
30 days have passed since the Order to Show Cause was served on the 
Applicant, and he has neither requested a hearing nor submitted a 
written statement in lieu of a hearing. See 21 CFR 1301.43(d). 
Accordingly, I find that Applicant has waived his right to a hearing or 
to submit a written statement and issue this Decision and Order based 
on relevant evidence submitted by the Government. See id. I make the 
following findings.

[[Page 58600]]

Findings of Fact

    On or about May 1, 2015, Applicant applied for a practitioner's 
registration seeking authority to dispense controlled substances in 
schedules II through IV at the proposed address of 4130 Eadhill Place, 
Whittier, California. App. 2 (Certification of Registration History) to 
RFAA, at 1.\3\ DEA assigned ``control number W15031876C'' to the 
application. Id. The application is in a ``new pending status'' with 
DEA. Id.
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    \3\ Although the Government states in its Request that Applicant 
submitted his DEA application ``[o]n or about May 4, 2015,'' RFAA, 
at 2, the Government attached to its Request a Certification of 
Registration History, which was sworn to and certified on September 
27, 2018 by DEA's Associate Chief of Registration and Program 
Support Section, stating that Applicant submitted his DEA ``online 
application . . . on/about May 1, 2015.'' App. 2, at 1. In addition, 
the certification included a copy of the online application which 
states: ``Submission Date: 05-01-2015.'' Id. at 3. Thus, I find that 
Applicant submitted his DEA application on or about May 1, 2015.
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    On September 6, 2016, a federal grand jury returned an indictment 
against Applicant charging him with (1) seven counts of unlawful 
prescribing and distribution of hydrocodone when it was a schedule III 
controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(E) 
and 18 U.S.C. 2(b); (2) six counts of unlawful prescribing and 
distribution of hydrocodone when it was a schedule II controlled 
substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) and 18 U.S.C. 
2(b); (3) nine counts of unlawful prescribing and distribution of 
alprazolam, a schedule IV controlled substance, in violation of 21 
U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(2) and 18 U.S.C. 2(b); and (4) four counts of 
unlawful prescribing and distribution of carisoprodol, a schedule IV 
controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(2) and 
18 U.S.C. 2(b). App. 3 to RFAA, at 1-5. On December 4, 2017, a federal 
jury found Applicant guilty on all counts. Id. at 8. On April 23, 2018, 
a federal district judge in the U.S. District Court for the Central 
District of California entered a Judgment and Probation/Commitment 
Order, Case No. CR16-0631 (C.D. Cal.), sentencing Applicant to a term 
of imprisonment ``of 60 months on each of Counts 1 to 26 of the 
Indictment, to be served concurrently.'' Id. at 9. Thus, I find that 
Respondent has been convicted of felony offenses under the Controlled 
Substances Act (CSA) ``relating to [] substance[s] defined in [the CSA] 
as a controlled substance.'' 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(2); see also id., Sec.  
841(a)(1), (b)(1)-(2) (prescribing for various felony sentences of more 
than one year).

Discussion

    Section 303(f) of the Controlled Substances Act provides that an 
application for a practitioner's registration may be denied upon a 
determination ``that the issuance of such registration would be 
inconsistent with the public interest.'' 21 U.S.C. 823(f). In making 
the public interest determination, the CSA requires the consideration 
of the following factors:

    (1) The recommendation of the appropriate State licensing board 
or professional disciplinary authority.
    (2) The applicant's experience in dispensing . . . controlled 
substances.
    (3) The applicant's conviction record under Federal or State 
laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of 
controlled substances.
    (4) Compliance with applicable State, Federal, or local laws 
relating to controlled substances.
    (5) Such other conduct which may threaten the public health and 
safety.

Id. ``These factors are . . . considered in the disjunctive.'' Robert 
A. Leslie, M.D., 68 FR 15227, 15230 (2003). I ``may rely on any one or 
a combination of factors, and may give each factor the weight [I] 
deem[] appropriate in determining whether . . . an application for 
registration [should be] denied.'' Id. Moreover, it is well established 
that I am ``not required to make findings as to all of the factors.'' 
Hoxie v. DEA, 419 F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2005); see also Kevin Dennis, 
M.D., 78 FR 52787, 52974 (2013); MacKay v. DEA, 664 F.3d 808, 816 (10th 
Cir. 2011).
    Furthermore, under Section 304(a) of the CSA, a registration may be 
revoked or suspended ``upon a finding that the registrant . . . has 
been convicted of a felony under this subchapter . . . or any other law 
of the United States, or of any State, relating to any substance 
defined in this subchapter as a controlled substance.'' 21 U.S.C. 
824(a)(2). See John P. Moore, III, M.D., 82 FR 10398, 10401 (2017) 
(revocation warranted for conviction of felony offense); Algirdas J. 
Krisciunas, M.D., 76 FR 4940, 4944 (2011) (revocation warranted for 
conviction of felony offense under CSA); Hung Thien Ly, M.D., 75 FR 
49955, 49956 (2010) (same). Under the same section of the CSA, a 
registration may also be revoked or suspended if the registrant ``has 
committed such acts as would render his registration under section 823 
of this title inconsistent with the public interest as determined under 
such section.'' 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(4).
    ``DEA has long held that the various grounds for revocation or 
suspension of an existing registration that Congress enumerated in 
section 304(a), 21 U.S.C. 824(a), are also properly considered in 
deciding whether to grant or deny an application under section 303.'' 
Richard D. Vitalis, D.O., 79 FR 68701, 68708 (2014) (citing Anthony D. 
Funches, 64 FR 14267, 14268 (1999); Alan R. Schankman, 63 FR 45260 
(1998); Kuen H. Chen, 58 FR 65401, 65402 (1993)). Thus, the allegation 
that Applicant was convicted of a felony relating to a controlled 
substance under the CSA is properly considered in this proceeding. 
Thomas G. Easter II, M.D., 69 FR 5579, 5580 (2004) (denial of 
application because applicant was ``convicted of eight State felonies 
relating the distribution or dispensing of controlled substances . . . 
is independently appropriate under 21 U.S.C. 823(f) and 824(a)(2)'') ; 
Brady Kortland Fleming, 46 FR 45841, 45842 (1981) (finding that 
respondent's conviction of a felony offense related to controlled 
substances that would justify revocation under 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(2) also 
provides a statutory basis for denial of respondent's registration 
under 21 U.S.C. 823(f)); see also Samuel S. Jackson, 72 FR 23848, 23852 
(2007). The Government bears the burden of proof in showing that the 
issuance of a registration is inconsistent with the public interest. 21 
CFR 1301.44(d). I conclude that there are two separate and independent 
grounds to deny Applicant's application.
    First, as found above, a federal district judge in the United 
States District Court for the Central District of California entered a 
judgment convicting Applicant of 26 counts of unlawful distribution of 
controlled substances under the CSA (hydrocodone, alprazolam, and 
carisoprodol) in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1). Each count of 
conviction was for a felony offense under the CSA. See App. 3 to RFAA, 
at 9 (citing 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) (``[i]n the case of a 
controlled substance in schedule I or II . . . such person shall be 
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years''), 
(b)(1)(E) (``in the case of any controlled substance in schedule III, 
such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more 
than 10 years''), (b)(2) (``[i]n the case of a controlled substance in 
schedule IV, such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment 
of not more than 5 years'')). Thus, I find that Applicant ``has been 
convicted of a felony offense . . . relating to any substance defined 
in [the CSA] as a controlled substance.'' 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(2). This 
finding alone provides reason to deny Applicant's application for a DEA 
Certificate of Registration.
    Second, Applicant's aforementioned conviction is both relevant and 
adverse

[[Page 58601]]

to Applicant regarding factors three and four of the public interest 
determination. Easter, 69 FR at 5581 (finding that felony convictions 
related to distribution of controlled substances ``are relevant and 
adverse to'' applicant regarding public interest factors two, three, 
four, and five). Specifically, I may deny Applicant's pending 
application pursuant to factor three (21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3)) alone 
because he has been convicted for unlawful distribution of controlled 
substances under the CSA. Trenton F. Horst, D.O., 80 FR 41079, 41090 
(2015) (holding that pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3), DEA ``may deny a 
pending application for a certificate of registration upon a finding 
that the applicant has been convicted of a felony related to controlled 
substances under state or federal law''). In the same vein, Applicant's 
conviction for violating the CSA also reflects his lack of 
``[c]ompliance with applicable . . . Federal . . . laws relating to 
controlled substances'' under factor four. 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(4). 
Accordingly, I find that the Government's evidence of Applicant's 
convictions is adverse to Applicant with respect to public interest 
factors three and four and thus establishes that granting Applicant's 
application ``would be inconsistent with the public interest.'' 21 
U.S.C. 823(f); Arvinder Singh, M.D., 81 FR 8247-48 & n.2 (2016) 
(affirming ALJ's finding that respondent's felony convictions in 
violation of the CSA implicated multiple public interest factors 
(including factors three and four) and thus warranted denial of his 
application as inconsistent with the public interest).
    For all these reasons, and because Applicant failed to respond to 
the Show Cause Order and thus has failed to offer any evidence to the 
contrary, I will order that his application be denied.

Order

    Pursuant to the authority vested in me by 21 U.S.C. 823(f), as well 
as 28 CFR 0.100(b), I order that the application of Edward A. Ridgill, 
M.D., for a DEA Certificate of Registration as a practitioner be, and 
it hereby is, denied. This Order is effective immediately.

    Dated: October 31, 2018.
Uttam Dhillon,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2018-25224 Filed 11-19-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-09-P



                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Notices                                                   58599

     the Drug Enforcement Administration                            grounds that Applicant ‘‘ha[s] been                     result, the DI stated in her Declaration
     (DEA), 28 CFR 0.100(b). Authority to                           convicted of a felony relating to                       that she mailed a copy of the Show
     exercise all necessary functions with                          controlled substances’’ and because                     Cause Order by certified mail and
     respect to the promulgation and                                granting Respondent a ‘‘registration                    addressed it to Applicant at the
     implementation of 21 CFR part 1301,                            would be inconsistent with the public                   Victorville United States Penitentiary in
     incident to the registration of                                interest.’’ Appendix (App.) 1 to                        Adelanto, California. Id. 2 In her
     manufacturers, distributors, dispensers,                       Government’s Request for Final Agency                   Declaration, the DI attached and
     importers, and exporters of controlled                         Action (RFAA), at 1 (citing 21 U.S.C.                   authenticated a return receipt from the
     substances (other than final orders in                         823(f), 824(a)(2), (a)(4)).                             U.S. Postal Service confirming that the
     connection with suspension, denial, or                            With respect to the Agency’s                         mailing was so addressed and was
     revocation of registration) has been                           jurisdiction, the Show Cause Order                      delivered to that penitentiary on June
     redelegated to the Assistant                                   alleged that on May 4, 2015, Applicant                  15, 2018. Id.; see Attachment A to App.
     Administrator of the DEA Diversion                             submitted an application for a DEA                      4. I therefore find that the Government
     Control Division (‘‘Assistant                                  registration ‘‘to handle controlled
                                                                                                                            accomplished service on June 15, 2018.
     Administrator’’) pursuant to section 7 of                      substances in Schedules II–IV, with
                                                                                                                            See Warren B. Dailey, M.D., 82 FR
     28 CFR part 0, appendix to subpart R.                          Application Number W15031876C, at
                                                                                                                            46525, 46526 (2017) (holding that
       In accordance with 21 CFR                                    4130 Eadhill Place, Whittier, CA.’’ Id. at
                                                                    2.1                                                     sending Show Cause Order to
     1301.34(a), this is notice that on                                                                                     Respondent by certified mail at U.S.
     September 13, 2018, Janssen                                       As to the substantive grounds for the
                                                                    proceeding, the Show Cause Order                        penitentiary and with proof of return
     Pharmaceuticals Inc., 1440 Olympic                                                                                     receipt was sufficient to establish that
     Drive, Bldgs. 1–5 & 7–14, Athens,                              alleged that ‘‘[o]n or about December 4,
                                                                    2017, a jury convicted’’ Applicant of 26                Government lawfully accomplished
     Georgia 30601–1645, applied to be                                                                                      service).
     registered as an importer of the                               counts of unlawful distribution of
     following basic classes of controlled                          controlled substances (specifically,                       On October 3, 2018, the Government
     substances:                                                    hydrocodone, alprazolam, and                            forwarded its Request for Final Agency
                                                                    carisoprodol) in violation of 21 U.S.C.                 Action and evidentiary record to my
               Controlled                   Drug code   Schedule
                                                                    841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. 2 and that the                  Office. In its Request, the Government
               substance                                            ‘‘[j]udgment was entered on April 23,                   represents that more than 30 days had
     Thebaine ..........................         9333   II          2018.’’ Id. The Order asserted that                     passed since Applicant had been served
     Poppy Straw Concentrate                     9670   II          Respondent’s ‘‘[c]onviction of a felony                 and that ‘‘DEA had not received a
     Tapentadol .......................          9780   II          relating to controlled substances                       request for hearing or any other reply’’
                                                                    warrants denial of [his] application for                from him during that time. RFAA, at 3.
       The company plans to import an                               registration.’’ Id. (citing 21 U.S.C.                   Based on the Government’s
     intermediate form of tapentadol (9780)                         824(a)(2)). The Order also asserted that                representation and the record, I find that
     to bulk manufacture tapentadol for                             granting Respondent’s application                       more than 30 days have passed since the
     distribution to its customers. The                             would be ‘‘inconsistent with the public
     company plans to import thebaine                                                                                       Order to Show Cause was served on the
                                                                    interest’’ in light of his felony
     (9333) derivatives as reference                                                                                        Applicant, and he has neither requested
                                                                    convictions. Id. (citing 21 U.S.C. 823(f),
     standards. The company plans to import                                                                                 a hearing nor submitted a written
                                                                    824(a)(4)).
     concentrated poppy straw (9670) to bulk                           The Show Cause Order notified                        statement in lieu of a hearing. See 21
     manufacture other controlled                                   Applicant of (1) his right to request a                 CFR 1301.43(d). Accordingly, I find that
     substances. No other activity for these                        hearing on the allegations or to submit                 Applicant has waived his right to a
     drug codes is authorized for this                              a written statement in lieu of a hearing,               hearing or to submit a written statement
     registration.                                                  (2) the procedure for electing either                   and issue this Decision and Order based
                                                                    option, and (3) the consequence for                     on relevant evidence submitted by the
       Dated: November 6, 2018.                                                                                             Government. See id. I make the
                                                                    failing to elect either option. Id. at 2–3.
     John J. Martin,                                                                                                        following findings.
                                                                    (citing 21 CFR 1301.43). The Order also
     Assistant Administrator.
                                                                    notified Applicant of his right to submit
     [FR Doc. 2018–25226 Filed 11–19–18; 8:45 am]                   a corrective action plan. Id. at 3–4                       2 The DI also stated in her Declaration that the

     BILLING CODE 4410–09–P                                         (citing 21 U.S.C. 824(c)(2)(C)).                        Show Cause Order ‘‘was emailed to [Applicant’s]
                                                                                                                            criminal defense attorney’’ by a Task Force Officer
                                                                       With respect to service, a Diversion                 ‘‘on or about June 11, 2018.’’ Id. However, this
                                                                    Investigator (DI) with DEA’s Los                        attempt at service of the Order pursuant to 21
     DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                          Angeles Field Division executed a                       U.S.C. 824(c), standing alone, would be insufficient
                                                                    Declaration on September 19, 2018                       for at least two reasons. First, the Government failed
     Drug Enforcement Administration                                                                                        to establish that the attorney had ‘‘the power to
                                                                    stating that she ‘‘learned that following               accept service’’ on behalf of the Applicant in this
     Edward A. Ridgill, M.D.; Decision and                          his conviction, [Applicant] was                         proceeding. Warren B. Dailey, M.D., 82 FR 46525,
     Order                                                          incarcerated at Victorville Federal                     46526 (2017) (internal citations and quotations
                                                                    Prison . . . in Adelanto, CA.’’ App. 4                  omitted). Second, assuming the attorney had such
                                                                                                                            authority, the record does not contain (1) a
       On May 15, 2018, the Assistant                               (Declaration of DI) to RFAA, at 2. As a                 statement that explains whether the DI had
     Administrator, Diversion Control                                                                                       independent personal knowledge of the email, (2)
     Division, Drug Enforcement                                       1 The Show Cause Order also alleged that              a declaration from the Task Force Officer or another
     Administration (DEA), issued an Order                          Applicant was previously ‘‘registered with the DEA      declarant who has personal knowledge of the email,
                                                                    as a practitioner authorized to handle controlled       or (3) any other evidence corroborating the DI’s
     to Show Cause to Edward A. Ridgill,                            substances in Schedules II–V’’ under DEA                statement that the Task Force Officer had emailed
     M.D., (Applicant), of Whittier,                                Certificate of Registration No. FR3094997 at 3625 E.    the attorney. Cf. Richard Hauser, M.D., 83 FR
     California. The Show Cause Order                               Martin Luther King Boulevard, Suite 9, Lynwood,         26308, 26309 n.5 (2018) (finding that a DI’s
     proposed the denial of Applicant’s                             California. Id. at 1. The Order alleged that            declaration that he ‘‘verified’’ a document’s
                                                                    Applicant ‘‘voluntarily surrendered’’ this              authenticity by conferring with another DI was
     application for a DEA Certificate of                           registration on March 12, 2015 ‘‘during [his] arrest    insufficient absent a declaration from a DI with
     Registration, ‘‘Application Number                             for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.’’   personal knowledge of the document’s authenticity
     W15031876C,’’ as a practitioner on the                         Id.                                                     or other evidence to corroborate its authenticity).



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     58600                      Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Notices

     Findings of Fact                                        Discussion                                            824(a), are also properly considered in
                                                               Section 303(f) of the Controlled                    deciding whether to grant or deny an
        On or about May 1, 2015, Applicant                                                                         application under section 303.’’ Richard
     applied for a practitioner’s registration               Substances Act provides that an
                                                             application for a practitioner’s                      D. Vitalis, D.O., 79 FR 68701, 68708
     seeking authority to dispense controlled                                                                      (2014) (citing Anthony D. Funches, 64
                                                             registration may be denied upon a
     substances in schedules II through IV at                                                                      FR 14267, 14268 (1999); Alan R.
                                                             determination ‘‘that the issuance of such
     the proposed address of 4130 Eadhill                                                                          Schankman, 63 FR 45260 (1998); Kuen
                                                             registration would be inconsistent with
     Place, Whittier, California. App. 2                                                                           H. Chen, 58 FR 65401, 65402 (1993)).
                                                             the public interest.’’ 21 U.S.C. 823(f). In
     (Certification of Registration History) to                                                                    Thus, the allegation that Applicant was
                                                             making the public interest
     RFAA, at 1.3 DEA assigned ‘‘control                                                                           convicted of a felony relating to a
                                                             determination, the CSA requires the
     number W15031876C’’ to the                              consideration of the following factors:               controlled substance under the CSA is
     application. Id. The application is in a                                                                      properly considered in this proceeding.
     ‘‘new pending status’’ with DEA. Id.                      (1) The recommendation of the appropriate           Thomas G. Easter II, M.D., 69 FR 5579,
                                                             State licensing board or professional                 5580 (2004) (denial of application
        On September 6, 2016, a federal grand                disciplinary authority.
     jury returned an indictment against                       (2) The applicant’s experience in                   because applicant was ‘‘convicted of
     Applicant charging him with (1) seven                   dispensing . . . controlled substances.               eight State felonies relating the
                                                               (3) The applicant’s conviction record under         distribution or dispensing of controlled
     counts of unlawful prescribing and
                                                             Federal or State laws relating to the                 substances . . . is independently
     distribution of hydrocodone when it                     manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of           appropriate under 21 U.S.C. 823(f) and
     was a schedule III controlled substance,                controlled substances.                                824(a)(2)’’) ; Brady Kortland Fleming, 46
     in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1),                      (4) Compliance with applicable State,               FR 45841, 45842 (1981) (finding that
     (b)(1)(E) and 18 U.S.C. 2(b); (2) six                   Federal, or local laws relating to controlled         respondent’s conviction of a felony
     counts of unlawful prescribing and                      substances.
                                                               (5) Such other conduct which may threaten           offense related to controlled substances
     distribution of hydrocodone when it                                                                           that would justify revocation under 21
     was a schedule II controlled substance,                 the public health and safety.
                                                                                                                   U.S.C. 824(a)(2) also provides a
     in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1),                    Id. ‘‘These factors are . . . considered in           statutory basis for denial of respondent’s
     (b)(1)(C) and 18 U.S.C. 2(b); (3) nine                  the disjunctive.’’ Robert A. Leslie, M.D.,            registration under 21 U.S.C. 823(f)); see
     counts of unlawful prescribing and                      68 FR 15227, 15230 (2003). I ‘‘may rely               also Samuel S. Jackson, 72 FR 23848,
     distribution of alprazolam, a schedule                  on any one or a combination of factors,               23852 (2007). The Government bears the
     IV controlled substance, in violation of                and may give each factor the weight [I]               burden of proof in showing that the
     21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(2) and 18 U.S.C.               deem[] appropriate in determining                     issuance of a registration is inconsistent
     2(b); and (4) four counts of unlawful                   whether . . . an application for                      with the public interest. 21 CFR
     prescribing and distribution of                         registration [should be] denied.’’ Id.                1301.44(d). I conclude that there are two
     carisoprodol, a schedule IV controlled                  Moreover, it is well established that I               separate and independent grounds to
     substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C.                    am ‘‘not required to make findings as to              deny Applicant’s application.
     841(a)(1), (b)(2) and 18 U.S.C. 2(b). App.              all of the factors.’’ Hoxie v. DEA, 419                  First, as found above, a federal district
     3 to RFAA, at 1–5. On December 4,                       F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2005); see also               judge in the United States District Court
     2017, a federal jury found Applicant                    Kevin Dennis, M.D., 78 FR 52787, 52974                for the Central District of California
     guilty on all counts. Id. at 8. On April                (2013); MacKay v. DEA, 664 F.3d 808,                  entered a judgment convicting
     23, 2018, a federal district judge in the               816 (10th Cir. 2011).                                 Applicant of 26 counts of unlawful
     U.S. District Court for the Central                        Furthermore, under Section 304(a) of               distribution of controlled substances
     District of California entered a Judgment               the CSA, a registration may be revoked                under the CSA (hydrocodone,
     and Probation/Commitment Order, Case                    or suspended ‘‘upon a finding that the                alprazolam, and carisoprodol) in
     No. CR16–0631 (C.D. Cal.), sentencing                   registrant . . . has been convicted of a              violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1). Each
     Applicant to a term of imprisonment ‘‘of                felony under this subchapter . . . or any             count of conviction was for a felony
     60 months on each of Counts 1 to 26 of                  other law of the United States, or of any             offense under the CSA. See App. 3 to
     the Indictment, to be served                            State, relating to any substance defined              RFAA, at 9 (citing 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1),
     concurrently.’’ Id. at 9. Thus, I find that             in this subchapter as a controlled                    (b)(1)(C) (‘‘[i]n the case of a controlled
     Respondent has been convicted of                        substance.’’ 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(2). See                 substance in schedule I or II . . . such
     felony offenses under the Controlled                    John P. Moore, III, M.D., 82 FR 10398,                person shall be sentenced to a term of
     Substances Act (CSA) ‘‘relating to []                   10401 (2017) (revocation warranted for                imprisonment of not more than 20
     substance[s] defined in [the CSA] as a                  conviction of felony offense); Algirdas J.            years’’), (b)(1)(E) (‘‘in the case of any
     controlled substance.’’ 21 U.S.C.                       Krisciunas, M.D., 76 FR 4940, 4944                    controlled substance in schedule III,
     824(a)(2); see also id., § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)–           (2011) (revocation warranted for                      such person shall be sentenced to a term
     (2) (prescribing for various felony                     conviction of felony offense under                    of imprisonment of not more than 10
     sentences of more than one year).                       CSA); Hung Thien Ly, M.D., 75 FR                      years’’), (b)(2) (‘‘[i]n the case of a
                                                             49955, 49956 (2010) (same). Under the                 controlled substance in schedule IV,
        3 Although the Government states in its Request
                                                             same section of the CSA, a registration               such person shall be sentenced to a term
     that Applicant submitted his DEA application ‘‘[o]n     may also be revoked or suspended if the               of imprisonment of not more than 5
     or about May 4, 2015,’’ RFAA, at 2, the Government      registrant ‘‘has committed such acts as               years’’)). Thus, I find that Applicant
     attached to its Request a Certification of              would render his registration under                   ‘‘has been convicted of a felony offense
     Registration History, which was sworn to and            section 823 of this title inconsistent                . . . relating to any substance defined in
     certified on September 27, 2018 by DEA’s Associate
     Chief of Registration and Program Support Section,      with the public interest as determined                [the CSA] as a controlled substance.’’ 21
     stating that Applicant submitted his DEA ‘‘online       under such section.’’ 21 U.S.C.                       U.S.C. 824(a)(2). This finding alone
     application . . . on/about May 1, 2015.’’ App. 2, at    824(a)(4).                                            provides reason to deny Applicant’s
     1. In addition, the certification included a copy of       ‘‘DEA has long held that the various               application for a DEA Certificate of
     the online application which states: ‘‘Submission
     Date: 05–01–2015.’’ Id. at 3. Thus, I find that
                                                             grounds for revocation or suspension of               Registration.
     Applicant submitted his DEA application on or           an existing registration that Congress                   Second, Applicant’s aforementioned
     about May 1, 2015.                                      enumerated in section 304(a), 21 U.S.C.               conviction is both relevant and adverse


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                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Notices                                                            58601

     to Applicant regarding factors three and                DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                               Dated: November 2, 2018.
     four of the public interest                                                                                               John J. Martin,
     determination. Easter, 69 FR at 5581                    Drug Enforcement Administration                                   Assistant Administrator.
     (finding that felony convictions related                                                                                  [FR Doc. 2018–25229 Filed 11–19–18; 8:45 am]
     to distribution of controlled substances                [Docket No. DEA–392]                                              BILLING CODE 4410–09–P
     ‘‘are relevant and adverse to’’ applicant
     regarding public interest factors two,                  Bulk Manufacturer of Controlled
     three, four, and five). Specifically, I may             Substances Application: Organix, Inc.                             DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
     deny Applicant’s pending application
     pursuant to factor three (21 U.S.C.                     ACTION:       Notice of application.                              Drug Enforcement Administration
     823(f)(3)) alone because he has been                                                                                      [Docket No. DEA–392]
     convicted for unlawful distribution of                  DATES:  Registered bulk manufacturers of
     controlled substances under the CSA.                    the affected basic classes, and                                   Importer of Controlled Substances
     Trenton F. Horst, D.O., 80 FR 41079,                    applicants therefore, may file written                            Application: Lipomed
     41090 (2015) (holding that pursuant to                  comments on or objections to the
                                                                                                                               ACTION:   Notice of application.
     21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3), DEA ‘‘may deny a                   issuance of the proposed registration on
     pending application for a certificate of                or before January 22, 2019.                                       DATES:  Registered bulk manufacturers of
     registration upon a finding that the                    ADDRESSES:   Written comments should                              the affected basic classes, and
     applicant has been convicted of a felony                be sent to: Drug Enforcement                                      applicants therefore, may file written
     related to controlled substances under                  Administration, Attention: DEA Federal                            comments on or objections to the
     state or federal law’’). In the same vein,              Register Representative/DPW, 8701                                 issuance of the proposed registration on
     Applicant’s conviction for violating the                Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia                          or before December 20, 2018. Such
     CSA also reflects his lack of                           22152.                                                            persons may also file a written request
     ‘‘[c]ompliance with applicable . . .                                                                                      for a hearing on the application on or
     Federal . . . laws relating to controlled               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      The                               before December 20, 2018.
     substances’’ under factor four. 21 U.S.C.               Attorney General has delegated his                                ADDRESSES: Written comments should
     823(f)(4). Accordingly, I find that the                 authority under the Controlled                                    be sent to: Drug Enforcement
     Government’s evidence of Applicant’s                    Substances Act to the Administrator of                            Administration, Attention: DEA Federal
     convictions is adverse to Applicant with                the Drug Enforcement Administration                               Register Representative/DPW, 8701
                                                             (DEA), 28 CFR 0.100(b). Authority to                              Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia
     respect to public interest factors three
                                                             exercise all necessary functions with                             22152. All requests for hearing must be
     and four and thus establishes that
                                                             respect to the promulgation and                                   sent to: Drug Enforcement
     granting Applicant’s application ‘‘would
                                                             implementation of 21 CFR part 1301,                               Administration, Attn: Administrator,
     be inconsistent with the public                         incident to the registration of
     interest.’’ 21 U.S.C. 823(f); Arvinder                                                                                    8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield,
                                                             manufacturers, distributors, dispensers,                          Virginia 22152. All requests for hearing
     Singh, M.D., 81 FR 8247–48 & n.2 (2016)                 importers, and exporters of controlled
     (affirming ALJ’s finding that                                                                                             should also be sent to: (1) Drug
                                                             substances (other than final orders in                            Enforcement Administration, Attn:
     respondent’s felony convictions in                      connection with suspension, denial, or                            Hearing Clerk/LJ, 8701 Morrissette
     violation of the CSA implicated                         revocation of registration) has been                              Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152; and
     multiple public interest factors                        redelegated to the Assistant                                      (2) Drug Enforcement Administration,
     (including factors three and four) and                  Administrator of the DEA Diversion                                Attn: DEA Federal Register
     thus warranted denial of his application                Control Division (‘‘Assistant                                     Representative/DPW, 8701 Morrissette
     as inconsistent with the public interest).              Administrator’’) pursuant to section 7 of                         Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152.
        For all these reasons, and because                   28 CFR part 0, appendix to subpart R.                             Comments and requests for hearings on
     Applicant failed to respond to the Show                   In accordance with 21 CFR                                       applications to import narcotic raw
     Cause Order and thus has failed to offer                1301.33(a), this is notice that on                                material are not appropriate. 72 FR
     any evidence to the contrary, I will                    September 26, 2018, Organix Inc., 240                             3417, (January 25, 2007).
     order that his application be denied.                   Salem Street, Woburn, Massachusetts                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
                                                             01801–2029, applied to be registered as                           Attorney General has delegated his
     Order                                                   a bulk manufacturer of the following                              authority under the Controlled
       Pursuant to the authority vested in me                basic classes of controlled substances:                           Substances Act to the Administrator of
     by 21 U.S.C. 823(f), as well as 28 CFR                                                                                    the Drug Enforcement Administration
                                                                                                          Drug                 (DEA), 28 CFR 0.100(b). Authority to
     0.100(b), I order that the application of                     Controlled substances                            Schedule
                                                                                                          code
     Edward A. Ridgill, M.D., for a DEA                                                                                        exercise all necessary functions with
     Certificate of Registration as a                        Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid                      2010   I           respect to the promulgation and
     practitioner be, and it hereby is, denied.
                                                             Lysergic acid diethylamide ..                  7315   I           implementation of 21 CFR part 1301,
                                                             Marihuana ............................         7360   I           incident to the registration of
     This Order is effective immediately.                    Tetrahydrocannabinols ........                 7370   I
                                                             Dimethyltryptamine ..............              7435   I
                                                                                                                               manufacturers, distributors, dispensers,
       Dated: October 31, 2018.                              Psilocybin .............................       7437   I           importers, and exporters of controlled
     Uttam Dhillon,                                          Psilocyn ................................      7438   I           substances (other than final orders in
     Acting Administrator.                                   Heroin ..................................      9200   I           connection with suspension, denial, or
                                                             Morphine ..............................        9300   II          revocation of registration) has been
     [FR Doc. 2018–25224 Filed 11–19–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                               redelegated to the Assistant
     BILLING CODE 4410–09–P
                                                               The company plans to synthesize the                             Administrator of the DEA Diversion
                                                             above-listed controlled substances for                            Control Division (‘‘Assistant
                                                             distribution to its research and forensics                        Administrator’’) pursuant to section 7 of
                                                             customers.                                                        28 CFR part 0, appendix to subpart R.


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Document Created: 2018-11-20 07:59:28
Document Modified: 2018-11-20 07:59:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
Dates05-01-2015.'' Id. at 3. Thus, I find that Applicant submitted his DEA application on or about May 1, 2015.
FR Citation83 FR 58599 

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