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Federal agents raid Dayton doctor’s office, pharmacy

UPDATE @ 7:30 p.m. (Nov. 10)

A Dayton doctor’s office and pharmacy raided this week as part of an opiate task force investigation faced disciplinary action before.

Federal agents served search warrants around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at 301 W. First St. They only would say they were investigating a doctor’s office and pharmacy on the first floor.

Dr. Morris Brown is the only physician with a practice on the first floor. He was seeing patients today, but declined an interview request. Staff at a pharmacy, also the only one on the first floor, declined interview requests as well.

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Brown in May was warned of possible discipline by the State of Ohio Medical Board.

A letter sent to him in May stated the board had prescription concerns involving 16 patients, that he may have “failed to employ acceptable scientific methods in the selection of drugs.”

There is no indication the medical board’s letter is tied to the federal investigation.

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Many of Brown’s patients say he is a pillar of the community and disbelieve his practice is the focus of a federal investigation.

“There are people that Dr. Brown sees that don’t have insurance, can’t take care of stuff; he looks after them,” Tommy Owens said.

“I don’t know what’s going on but I have faith, and Dr. Brown is a cornerstone in this community,” Marlon Shackelford said.

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Both men said Brown, who has a 43-year practice, gives time and money to to dozens of causes without seeking recognition.

“He’s a fantastic doctor,” Aaron Lockhart said. “I love him, my mom loves him, my brothers love him.”

A Drug Enforcement Administration supervisor said all the agents involved serve on a federal opioid task force, and referred quetions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbus. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said it can’t release information about the investigation.

EARLIER (Nov. 7)

Federal agents confirmed they served search warrants around 10:45 a.m. today at a Dayton doctor’s office and a pharmacy on the ground floor of an office building at 301 W. First St.

The search warrants are part of an overarching opiate task force, officials said. They declined to identify the target of the investigation.

Dispatch records indicated Dayton police were assisting with the warrant, and were seen guarding the main entrance to the building.

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