Doctor Surrenders DEA Registration and Pays $100,000

Keith Jeffords, M.D., has agreed to pay $100,000 in penalties and refrain from applying for a DEA registration for a period of five years to resolve allegations that he issued prescriptions for controlled substances while his medical license was suspended by the Georgia Composite Medical Board, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances and ensure that controlled substances are dispensed and prescribed by authorized individuals. Prior to agreeing that he would not hold a registration for a period of five years, Dr. Jeffords voluntarily surrendered his registration to the DEA.

“A suspended medical license means that a doctor cannot write prescriptions for controlled substances, period,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan “When physicians ignore this basic requirement of the Controlled Substances Act, our office will vigorously pursue the violations.”

“While in the midst of this country’s prescription opioid epidemic, eliminating physicians who disregard both state and federal licensing requirements and who continue to prescribe opioids is an important part of DEA’s mission,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This medical doctor surrendered his DEA registration and will refrain from applying for a registration for a period of time and will pay a fine. This case was a success because of the hard work and dedication put forth by DEA and its law enforcement partners.”

Keith Jeffords operates a plastic surgery practice in Smyrna, Georgia. Jeffords wrote prescriptions for powerful opioids after the Medical Board summarily suspended his license on November 22, 2021. As part of the settlement, Jeffords acknowledged that he distributed controlled substances in violation of the CSA and its implementing regulations.

The CSA was enacted by Congress to deter the illegal importation, manufacture, distribution, possession, and improper use of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA prohibits DEA registrants without a valid state medical license from issuing prescriptions for controlled substances. DEA registrants who issue prescriptions without a valid medical license are subject to civil monetary penalties for each violation.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Hall and Adam Nugent.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmail@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.