Arrests made in Forsyth Co. prescription drug probe

CUMMING - 3 people have been arrested in Forsyth County following a joint police investigation into violations committed by a Cumming-based weight loss center.<br /> <br /> 52-year-old Teresa Vickers, the owner of Doctors Weight Loss Center, and 69-year-old Mary Wysong, an administrative assistant, were arrested on Monday, while 81-year-old Physician-in-charge Dr. E. Walter Hood, M.D., turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.<br /> <br /> The release said that the investigation originally began in 2011 in relation to apparent controlled substance violations committed by the center; an attorney representing Vickers said in a written statement at the time that his client would cease any controlled substance dispensation in compliance with the authorities' wishes.<br /> <br /> A joint investigation was eventually reopened in the case. According to the release, the investigation was conducted by the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency.<br /> <br /> Following an extended investigation, which is reported to have included multiple interviews and search warrants, further violations committed by the guilty parties were discovered.<br /> <br /> Vickers and Wysong have been charged with multiple counts related to violating the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (VGCSA), including conspiracy, pre-signing blank prescriptions, possession of pre-signed blank prescriptions, practicing medicine without a license, practicing pharmacy without a license, possession of controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances. <br /> <br /> In addition, the release said that Dr. Hood has been charged with conspiracy and pre-signing blank prescriptions under the VGCSA.<br />

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