PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland veterinarian was sentenced to five years of supervised probation for diverting controlled substances meant for animals at her clinic.
Her actions impacted the treatment of over 200 animals at the two veterinary clinics where she was employed, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration of Seattle.
The Seattle DEA said Brenda Brown-Carlson pleaded guilty to felony counts of attempted animal neglect, tampering with drug records and computer crimes.
She pleaded guilty as a part of a plea agreement, which allowed her to face a reduced sentence.
“This sentence makes clear that drug-related crime has consequences, but it also acknowledges that meaningful accountability includes addressing addiction through structured treatment to reduce the risk of re-offending in the future,” Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said.
According to court documents, Brown-Carlson diverted controlled substances like hydromorphone, buprenorphine and butorphanol from animals for her own use. She gave the animals saline in place of the substances, documents alleged.
Animals who were meant to receive the substances prior to surgery and medical procedures only received a diluted dose due to Brown-Carlson’s actions, the Seattle DEA said.
Her coworkers noticed drug discrepancies and reviewed computer records and surveillance video. They discovered video footage of Brown-Carlson taking the substancing and refilling vials with saline.
The clinic reported her actions to the DEA in Portland in February 2024 and a Diversion Investigator from the DEA Seattle Field Division initiated the investigation.
Brown-Carlson was eventually arrested and charged with 29 felony charges, although her plea deal reduced the charges.
“DEA has a long-standing relationship of trust and partnership with veterinary providers who are authorized to handle and administer controlled substance to care for animals that are sick,” Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division said. “Ms. Brown-Carlson abused that relationship and trust by diverting prescription drugs for her own personal use and, in doing so, compromised the care of more than 200 animals.”
