Update on Local Doctor Investigation

by Rachel Dahl --  Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed that his department was present today when federal agents searched the home and office of local doctor, Gary Ridenour.  "We assisted the DEA, FBI, the Pharmacy Board, and the Nevada Division of Investigation as they served search warrants today," he said. "We were there for a local presence." A spokesperson from the Reno DEA office, Marc Kuzmicki, confirmed that two search warrants were served in Fallon today on Dr. Ridenour's home and office as part of a larger investigation called Operation Hypocritical Oath.  He said there were nearly 20 search warrants in all that were served today, several in Las Vegas, Hawaii, and California in an ongoing investigation into doctors who may be over-prescribing perscription drugs. Agents were seen carrying several boxes from the office, and it was confirmed that agents did find several firearms, although they would not confirm that the guns were seized as well. In July of 2013, Dr. Ridenour was found guilty in District Court of weapons charges and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. In June of 1994, his medical license was revoked by the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners. However, under a stay, he was placed on probation for five years and ordered to complete a prescribing course, complete a six-month course in medical ethics, perform 40 hours of drug abuse public service, not prescribe Schedule I, II, and III drugs, and submit to the Board a monthly log of all Schedule IV and V controlled substances he prescribes.  He was also ordered to submit to random samplings of body fluids collected by the Board, reimburse the Board the costs of the investigation and prosecution, pay a $1,000 fine, and receive a public written reprimand. This will be an onging federal investigation into Dr. Ridenour and the Physician's Assistant who worked in his office, Derek Braddix.  There were no arrests made today. Kuzmicki said in addition to the above agencies, the DEA is working closely with the Washoe County Sheriff and the Department of Health and Human Services on this investigation.