The Palm Beach County Sober Homes Task Force, is a multiagency team committed to cutting down illegal practices in the recovery industry. Recently, they made their fourth arrest in just five days, this time holding a man named Howard James Fowler Jr. at the Palm Beach County Jail on 14 counts of patient brokering.
Fowler operates a recovery center called Anchorage Sober Living and has been sober and clean for about two years. The charges against Fowler allege that he, along with John Dudek, Bryan Norquist, and Patrick Norquist, entered into patient referral contracts with Whole Life Recovery, a treatment center in Boynton Beach. Accused of receiving kickbacks for referring clients with insurance to Whole Life Recovery, the men face serious charges.
The owner of Whole Life Recovery, James Kigar, signed the checks that were delivered to Fowler, the Norquist brothers, and Dudek. Kigar was arrested just weeks before Fowler and the others on charges of patient brokering as well.
Effects on the Industry
Sober home operators and other individuals in the industry have experienced increased anxiety and uncertainty over this string of recent arrests. Many do not even know that patient brokering is illegal due to its widespread practice within the sober home industry. Many also say that the law governing this area is vague.
Palm Beach County State Attorney, Dave Aronberg, stated that the arrests made so far are just the beginning and that the task force expects to make a huge impact in the industry. See our website (hyperlink to new web page) for more information about these types of charges.
If you are facing similar charges, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney. Herman Law, P.A. is available 24/7 to fight for your rights and provide you with experienced legal guidance.