Oregon Veterinarian Sentenced After Stealing Animal Pain Meds for Personal Use and Replacing Them With Saline

A Portland veterinarian, Dr. Brenda Brown-Carlson, was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation in Multnomah County Circuit Court on January 13 after admitting to diverting controlled substances for her personal use and replacing them with saline.

This affected the treatment of over 200 animals at two veterinary clinics where she was employed.

Portland Veterinarian Gets Probationary Sentence For Replacing Animals’ Medication With Saline

The investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) revealed that Brown-Carlson diverted hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance, buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, and butorphanol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, for her own use.

These drugs were supposed to be administered to animals undergoing surgery and medical procedures, but they received diluted doses, compromising their care.

After co-workers noticed drug discrepancies and reviewed the clinics’ computerized drug-dispensing machine, records, and surveillance video, the video footage showed Brown-Carlson diverting controlled substances and refilling vials with saline.

The veterinary clinic then reported the diversion to the DEA in Portland in February 2024.

The DEA has a long-standing relationship of trust and partnership with veterinary providers who are authorized to handle and administer controlled substances to care for animals that are sick. Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, said that Brown-Carlson abused that relationship and trust.

Brown-Carlson initially denied the diversion, even after being shown video evidence, but later admitted to the conduct, showing little remorse. was arrested and charged with 14 felony counts of Tampering with Drug Records, 13 felony counts of Computer Crimes, and two felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, involving more than 40 animals.

As part of the plea agreement, Brown-Carlson ultimately pled guilty to reduced charges: one felony count of Tampering with Drug Records, two felony counts of Computer Crimes, and one felony count of Attempted Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

Brown-Carlson was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation. As part of a plea agreement, Brown-Carlson also surrendered her DEA Certificate of Registration.

Action by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board regarding Brown-Carlson’s state veterinary license and civil penalties for violations of the Controlled Substances Act related to her DEA Certificate of Registration are also pending.