CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne veterinarian has agreed to pay a $30,000 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Rodney Hartshorn, 58, reached a settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office on Nov. 21.
Federal investigators launched their inquiry after receiving a tip about questionable practices at Avenues Pet Hospital, where Dr. Hartshorn operates. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Cheyenne Tactical Diversion Squad and Rocky Mountain Field Division found that the clinic allegedly allowed returned controlled substances to be stored in an unsecured bin, according to a press release by the United States Attorney’s Office.
Investigators said the medications were then redistributed to other clients.
On April 23, DEA agents inspected Avenues Pet Hospital. The inspection uncovered systemic failures in recordkeeping and safeguarding of controlled substances. Authorities also seized drugs found in the clinic’s unsecured “donated” medication bin, according to officials.
“It is through our partnership with the DEA that we can ensure DEA registrants maintain proper records and institute proper protocols so that controlled substances do not fall into the wrong hands,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to public safety. “DEA works diligently to ensure the safety of the public by regulating the use of controlled substances,” Pullen said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Martin handled the case, which stemmed from the DEA investigation.
