DEA Related Insights & Resources

Dr. Lonnie Joseph Parker, a Texarkana physician, was recently convicted in federal court of unlawfully prescribing opioids – a so-called “pill mill” prosecution. He received a 7-year sentence after a jury found him guilty on four counts of distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice. Notably, the...

The epic tale of Ross Ulbricht and Silk Road is not yet over. Donald Trump pardoned Ross on day 1 of his presidency. But why? What are Trump’s plans for Ulbricht. Ron Chapman explores the libertarian ideals that fueled his federal charges, the FBI’s high-stakes bust, and the ongoing battle...

Ron Chapman is a Federal Defense Attorney and Author of Unraveling Federal Criminal Investigations. He’s spent a career beating the DOJ’s most difficult cases for his clients. Ron Chapman argued United States v. Campbell in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals before Judges Davis, Clay and White. Ron argued that...

A prosecutor who lacks a law license, a jury that does its own research, strict liability for doctors who issue prescriptions and a crime without a harm. This is our current system of justice its getting more perverse every day. This is the unfortunate case of a physician prosecuted after...

Dr. Adrian Talbot, a 100% service connected disabled vet with dementia was jailed after a conviction for unlawful distribution of controlled substances. He was a suboxone provider beloved by many and suffered from dementia rendering him not competent to stand trial according to experts.

A post Ruan challenge heads to the Supreme Court. Convicted of unlawful prescribing, Dr. Roger Dale Anderson heads to the Supreme Court after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals stuck down his request to apply Supreme Court Precedent. Federal Criminal Appellate Attorney Ronald W. CHAPMAN II represents Anderson in asking...

Dr. Loey Kousa a Paintsville Kentucky Doctor was acquitted of all nine counts in a federal indictment which included drug distribution, healthcare fraud, and healthcare false statements. He was represented by healthcare fraud defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II and Matthew Pelcowitz of the Chapman Law Group. This is the...

Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II secured dismissal of 20-year mandatory minimum death charges for a Georgia Doctor - Thomas Sachy. Dr. Sachy walked out of court a free man after beating charges that he unlawfully distributed drugs and ran a pill mill leading to the death...

Dr. Lesly Pompy was acquitted of unlawful distribution and $16 million in healthcare fraud after facing a federal investigation for nearly five years. Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II secured victory after over a month-long federal trial in the Eastern District of Michigan. This was Ron’s second...

The Supreme Court Set to Determine “GOOD FAITH” in Physician Opioid Prescribing – United States v. Ruan. Overview – United States v. Ruan and “Good Faith” The Supreme Court will decide the first cases regarding opioid prescribing since 1975: United States v Ruan and United States v. Kahn and likely United States v. Naum and determine...

On the heels of the recent decision in Ruan v. United States, a Florida pharmacy is at the steps of the Supreme Court arguing that the DEA has unconstitutionally encroached on the practice of pharmacies dispensing opioid prescriptions. Should the Supreme Court take up this challenge it would be in...

Securing acquittal in opioid prescribing or “pill mill” cases is a daunting task. Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald Chapman is

In the unanimous Supreme Court decision, Ruan v. United States, the Supreme Court struck down the application of objective standards as a vehicle for opioid prosecutions against physicians accused of unlawful prescribing. The Supreme Court paves the way for a more tailored approach to measuring physician conduct.

The 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids is undergoing well needed change. The AMA released public comments applauding the CDC’s efforts to make some changes while declaring that it has not gone far enough to protect pain patients, prescribers, and the public.

In Arizona v. Youngblood the Supreme Court determined that a defendant is only entitled to dismissal based on destruction of evidence where it can show “bad faith” on the part of the police officers. ContraFed breaks down decisions since Youngblood and an approach for a successful “bad faith” spoliation argument.

The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Ruan v. United States and Khan v. United States, the most important opioid prescribing case since 1975. ContraFed recaps the oral argument and provides a prediction of the impending decision in this hotly debated Controlled Substance Act Case impacting physicians.

Ever taken a hit of a joint? Passed one to a friend? Yep that's right, you’re a felon. 40,000 inmates are in federal prison right now for marijuana related convictions. Federal law still punishes the possession, manufacture, and distribution of Marijuana by up to 20 years in prison. But the...

Mayo Clinic trained physician Joseph Oesterling was acquitted of all counts of drug trafficking for allegedly running a pill mill in Caro Michigan. He was represented by Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II.

Healthcare fraud and drug trafficking full acquittal secured by Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II. Dr. Aggarwal was accused of unlawfully prescribing the drug Suboxone at a West Virginia drug treatment clinic. He was cleared of all charges by the West Virginia Federal Jury.

A major federal appellate decision may significantly change how the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prosecutes pharmacies for controlled-substance violations. In Neumann’s Pharmacy, LLC v. DEA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected the DEA’s long-standing interpretation of two key Controlled Substances Act regulations governing pharmacists: 21 C.F.R....

Introduction Cryptocurrency has become a new frontier in federal asset forfeiture. In recent years, federal agencies have aggressively pursued pre-trial seizure of digital assets – meaning they can take control of your cryptocurrency before any criminal trial or conviction. As a result, ordinary citizens and even defense attorneys often find...

The 2025 One‑Stop Guide to U.S. Prescription & Controlled‑Substance Rules For prescribers navigating DEA, telemedicine, CMS/Medicare, private payers, and key state rules (MI, FL, CA, NY, IL). Last updated: September 24, 2025. (This guide is informational, not legal advice.) Why this guide? If it feels like every agency—and every state—wrote...

Steps to Renew Your DEA Certificate Navigating the renewal of your DEA certificate is crucial for healthcare professionals. This certificate allows you to prescribe controlled substances legally. Without it, your ability to practice effectively is compromised. The renewal process can seem daunting. However, understanding the steps involved can simplify the...

Federal investigations are typically long and thorough, often lasting months or years before charges are filed. Knowing what triggers a federal investigation and what steps to take is crucial. 1. Common Triggers for Federal Investigations Whistleblower Complaints – Employees or associates report suspected illegal activities. Suspicious Financial Transactions – Large...

Chevron is dead. But how does this impact the DEA? What about doctors who are accused of unlawful distribution?   Introduction Chevron deference might sound like a complicated legal term, but it’s a concept that has played a huge role in how federal agencies like the DEA operate. It all...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2025) This article is an excerpt from: By: Ronald W. Chapman II Navigating the Labyrinth of Federal Investigations: Am I Under Federal Investigation? As a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney, I’ve witnessed the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany the prospect of a...

By former federal prosecutor Ronald Chapman II. The Origins of Federal Prosecution To understand the motivations of the modern prosecutor we need to take a little detour into the origins of federal prosecution. In the seventeenth – and eighteenth- century in England, a system of private prosecution prevailed. Unlike...

Understanding federal drug laws The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) The Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et. seq., placed all substances into one of five schedules. The schedules in order of potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are drugs that are considered to have no medical use and are illegal...