DEA Will Play Hardball in Investigating Michael Jackson...( NEW YORK July 2 -- If recent report...),Health

NEW YORK, July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "If recent reports of DEA intervention are accurate, Michael Jackson's doctors will face intense scrutiny from the DEA's Diversion unit, and it won't end there. The pharmacists who filled Mr. Jackson's prescriptions will also be under the microscope as will everyone whose name is associated with any of Jackson's prescriptions," said attorney Patrick A. Mullin.

Mr. Mullin won full federal jury acquittal at trial on a 10 count indictment in a reported case brought by the DEA's Diversion Unit against a New York City doctor - a very rare result. The charges in that case are likely to be similar to the charges many of Mr. Jackson's doctors may ultimately face, including dispensing medication without legitimate medical purpose and prescribing in a manner inconsistent with accepted medical practice.

Mr. Mullin warns that any physician convicted of federal criminal prescribing abuses could face extensive incarceration for each count of conviction, the loss of his or her DEA license to prescribe controlled substances, and significant financial penalties. Mr. Mullin is a federal sentencing specialist, and has argued before the United States Supreme Court on a federal sentencing issue. He also serves in an advisory role to the United States Sentencing Commission.

"The DEA's Diversion Unit, which specializes in investigating doctors and pharmacists, among others, brings extensive resources and experience to this probe. They are tenacious, aggressive and extremely thorough. They will examine every element of this case relating to prescription and other drugs, including the records of the doctors whose names are associated with Mr. Jackson, whether identified on prescription bottles, through pharmacies, or other sources. Pharmacists are also at risk for investigation into their practices, and may soon see DEA agents at their doorsteps," said Mr. Mullin.