Middletown doctor agrees to six-figure payout to settle allegations he violated drug laws

A Middletown doctor has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations he failed to maintain adequate drug registrations for multiple medical practices that he owned, operated, and stored controlled substances.

The payment resolves allegations that Dr. Joseph E. Kepko violated the Controlled Substances Act between 2021 and August 2023 by failing to maintain adequate Drug Enforcement Administration registrations for his Red Rose Rejuvenation medical practices.

Kepko was also accused of failing to maintain receiving and dispensing records, failing to perform inventories every two years, and possessing pre-signed prescriptions, according to a U.S. Attorney press release.

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The federal investigation involved Kepko’s medical practices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and his DEA registered address in the unit block of Red Rose Drive in Middletown,

Kepko is registered to prescribe, administer, purchase and dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances, according to the U.S. Attorney.

As part of the settlement Kepko also agreed to enter into a three-year agreement with the DEA, which includes a number of monitoring requirements.

Specifically, Kepko must report all patient requests for controlled substances that give rise to suspicion that the patient is engaging in or attempting to engage in illegal drug diversion, the release said.

“Controlled substances, especially opioids, pose extraordinary risks to communities in this district,” U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero said. “When physicians and pharmacies are granted the privilege of purchasing controlled substances, they also accept the significant responsibility of ensuring that controlled substances are used for a legitimate, medical purpose.”

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com