Sherwood Hills director speaking out after being forced to close

LOGAN — A war of words is growing between the executive director of the Sherwood Hills Recovery Resort and the state government. It began after Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, government investigators, licensing authorities, and others, raided the rehab facility and shut it down Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, posted on the center’s Facebook page, Executive Director Richard Knapp called the state’s actions, “an abuse of power.” He said the raid showed a complete disregard for the people they are trying to help.

Department of Human Services (DHS) Licensing Director, Diane Moore said in an earlier statement that Sherwood Hills Recovery Resort has shown a history of non-compliance with DHS Licensing Rules. She also outlined 21 documented violations by the facility’s staff.

Some of those rule violations included a medical doctor prescribing drugs despite not being registered with the DEA. Also, the staff reportedly dispensed substances from an unregulated internal pharmacy and didn’t dispose of medications properly.

Knapp claims the only mistake his staff made was failing to leave a number off, when filling out a form. He said the State of Utah has been trying to find an excuse to take their license for nearly nine-months but has not been able to make a case.

“We will, of course, appeal this all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary,” said Knapp. “In doing so, will seek to remove those who have abused their powers.”

In the meantime, Wednesday’s raid means the rehab facility was given 10-days before they must close, while appealing the action. Patients currently undergoing treatment are being transferred to other facilities.

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