Louisiana veterinarian likely focused on criminal defense

Horse racing can be a serious business with a great deal of money at stake. Unfortunately, one veterinarian in Louisiana has been accused of attempting to fix races. He now faces federal charges after authorities claimed he played a role in illegal treatment given to horses prior to races. He is likely considering his criminal defense after a recent indictment.

The incidents leading to his arrest occurred in 2012. According to reports, nine trainers were sanctioned by the Louisiana State Racing Commission after horses in their care allegedly tested positive for a synthetic version of dermorphin, a drug that is secreted naturally by certain frogs and is more powerful than morphine. One of the trainers claimed that the subject of the recent indictment gave him the drug, claiming it would boost the horses’ metabolism and help with their breathing.

Federal officials claim that the veterinarian purchased $25,000 of the drug from a company called Kohll’s Pharmacy & Healthcare Inc. The company was also accused of conspiracy in the indictment. Police believe that the invoices regarding the purchases were deliberately mislabeled. The trainers claim that they were instructed to inject the drug one hour before racing began.

There are many unanswered questions regarding the alleged incidents. As federal officials claim that the syringes containing the drugs were mislabeled, it is unclear how they determined that they veterinarian knowingly gave trainers an illegal drug. Most people in Louisiana facing criminal charges, especially at the federal level, may be unaware where to start as they consider their criminal defense. As a result, they seek the guidance of an attorney who can help them fully understand the options available to them and the potential outcomes of each.

Source: foxnews.com, “Veterinarian charged with plot to drug horses before races“, Feb. 10, 2017