DEA agents raid doctor’s office in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla.- Federal agents shut down a local doctor’s office on Thursday.

The Drug Enforcement Administration raided Dr. Fred Turner’s office on U.S. 17 near the Wal-Mart distribution center in north Charlotte County.

Agents spent several hours, carrying out boxes of records from Turner’s office and loading them in the back of a rental truck.

WINK News confirms the doctor is now facing federal charges and was taken into custody, accused of dispensing controlled substances.

His office assistant, Rosetta Canatta, also faces charges and was arrested.

The federal government is demanding that, if convicted, Turner give up any money and property, earned through illegal drug sales and forfeit his medical license.

Authorities spoke with patients who showed up at Turner’s office on Thursday, telling them that the practice is closed after about a year of operation.

A resident in Peace River Shores is pleased, telling WINK News, “pretty common knowledge around here, that he was just dispensing pills.”

Eugene Coy has lived in the area for years and believes Turner was being too generous in writing out prescriptions for pain medication.

Trust WINK News for updates to the investigation.