Veterinarian Fined $950K for Missing Opioid Doses
Unaccounted Controlled Substances Lead to Maximum Civil Penalty
A veterinarian from Putnam County faces a hefty penalty of over $950,000 for thousands of missing opioid and controlled substance doses. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced the significant civil penalty against the veterinary professional.
Massive Dosage Discrepancy Uncovered
Clara Ann Mason, residing in Winfield, was ordered to pay the maximum civil penalty of $956,709. Investigators discovered that 9,796 doses of controlled substances, including hydrocodone/acetaminophen, were not properly accounted for.
Allegations of Fabricated Records and Negligent Storage
Court documents reveal that the court found Mason ordered substantial quantities of opioids and other drugs. These substances were reportedly not kept secured, nor was their usage meticulously tracked. Furthermore, authorities suspect that records were falsified to conceal these lapses.
Between March 2018 and July 2023, Mason ordered 14,200 dosage units of hydrocodone/acetaminophen, 800 units of oxycodone HCL (10 mg), and 600 units of oxycodone HCL (5 mg) from a wholesale supplier. For the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, she ordered more hydrocodone/acetaminophen than any other individual customer.
Controlled Substances Found Unsecured
A search in October 2023 revealed controlled substances discovered in numerous unsecured locations across the property. During the execution of the search warrant, Mason voluntarily surrendered her DEA registration number.
The release also indicated that Mason provided documentation claiming she administered large quantities of opioids to pets prior to euthanasia. However, investigators believe these records were largely fabricated. Interviews with pet owners did not confirm Mason administering oral medications to their animals.
Context: Pharmaceutical Diversion Concerns
The diversion of controlled substances, particularly opioids, remains a significant public health concern. In 2022, over 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States, with synthetic opioids accounting for a large majority of these fatalities (CDC, 2023).