FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2014
On December 17, 2014 Agents of the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) were contacted by an investigator with the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the State agency responsible for licensing and monitoring medical doctors and certain medical practices. The State Investigator told CMANS that he had information on a medical practice operating as a pain clinic in Cherokee County, Georgia. Based on information provided by the State Investigator and an independent investigation by CMANS Agents, a search warrant was issued for the business known as Atlas Healthcare and Rehab located at 5505 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, Georgia.
Witnesses had told CMANS Agents and State Investigators that their prescriptions varied from patient to patient but consisted primarily of Oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, Lortab, Soma, and Valium.
The investigation revealed that from December 9, 2014 to December 18, 2014, actions taken at the clinic as described by the patients and employees would constitute a violation of Georgia Code Annotated, Section 16-13-41.
Agents executed the search warrant at the clinic on December 22, 2014, at around 2 pm. Agents from CMANS were supported in the search by Investigators from the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the Georgia Drug and Narcotics Agency and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.
Agents seized some records, over $10,000 in cash, a handgun, and several pre-signed blank prescriptions. The owner/Operator of the clinic, Tom Hourinwall, was arrested at the scene. He is being held at the Cherokee Adult Detention Center on 18 felony charges. Dr. Kelvin White was arrested at this residence in Fayetteville, Georgia. Dr. White is expected to be transported to Cherokee County sometime today to face 18 felony counts, as well. Agents anticipate other arrests in the case, once all the documentation and interviews have been carefully reviewed in conjunction with the Office of District Attorney Shannon Wallace.
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, the Canton Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, the Ball Ground Police Department, the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol. Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345- 7920, or may speak to an agent by calling (678) 493-7625.
