Authorities say they see link between pharmacy, eight deaths w/ affidavit for arrest of Norman E. Enyart

By Greg Grisolano

ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com

GROVE, Okla. — Authorities investigating what they say is a link between an online pharmacy and eight deaths related to prescription-drug overdoses said none of the deaths occurred in the area.

“None of the deaths were in Oklahoma,” said Michael Eason, an investigator for the Delaware County Drug Task Force. “I really can’t expound on it.”

The overdoses are related to the muscle relaxant Soma that may have been purchased online, authorities say. Just recently, authorities say, a Grove man allegedly had been operating an illegal pharmacy out of a relative’s home. Eason referred questions in the matter to the Drug Enforcement Agency in Tulsa, but officials were not available for comment Thursday.

Records on file with Delaware County District Court show probable-cause charges have been filed against Grand Lake Pharmacy owner Norman E. “JR” Enyart. He is named in six counts, including operating an illegal pharmacy, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and maintaining a dwelling where controlled substances are kept. Enyart turned himself into authorities, and then posted $46,250 bond Wednesday and was released from the Delaware County Jail.

Soma, the trade name for carisoprodol, is a Schedule IV controlled substance under Oklahoma law, but it is not considered a narcotic by federal authorities.

Authorities say they believe Enyart’s operation of an online pharmacy was earning as much as $24,000 a day selling prescription drugs, including Soma and Viagra, through four Web sites.

A search of Enyart’s home at 32098 S. 603 Lane in Grove reportedly uncovered numerous weapons, marijuana, computers, prescription medications and pharmacy bills, according to court records.

He also was charged with possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Chris Morris, director of the drug task force, said “hundreds of thousands” of receipts with patients’ information were removed from Enyart’s home.

“We’re looking at months to cipher through this,” he said.

Delaware County authorities said Tuesday that they seized a half-million dollars worth of materials last week, including illicit drugs and untaxed cigarettes, and arrested three people in connection with the alleged unlicensed online pharmacy operation.

The Sheriff’s Department arrested Enyart’s brother, Randolph Enyart, 45, and Tammy Ann Walker, 37, both of Grove, and Kristina Donohue, 25, of Jay, on probable-cause charges in multiple felonies after the raid last week on two homesteads in rural Grove.

Randolph Enyart and Walker are named in probable-cause charges of possession of a controlled and dangerous substance, operating an unlicensed pharmacy, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are distributed, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.