Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Indicted for Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances, Faces Up to 20 Years If Convicted

Shreveport, Louisiana – Bonnie Jennifer Sherrard, a 46-year-old nurse practitioner in Louisiana, has been indicted for illegally distributing and dispensing controlled substances. Sherrard faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine if convicted.

Bonnie Jennifer Sherrard a/k/a May Bonnie Jennifer Sherrard, 46, of Ruston, Louisiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Shreveport for illegally dispensing and distributing controlled substances, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown on December 21, 2022.

According to the indictment, Sherrard was a licensed nurse practitioner in the state of Louisiana who worked in Ruston with a physician. Count 1 of the indictment accuses Sherrard of using a DEA Registration Number issued to another individual; Counts 2 through 41 accuse Sherrard of illicit dispensing and distribution of controlled medications outside the scope of professional medical practice. In addition, Sherrard’s license to operate as a nurse practitioner in Louisiana is sought by the indictment.

In accordance with the joint practice agreement between Sherrard and the physician, the indictment alleges that Sherrard was permitted to distribute and dispense controlled substances. Sherrard was awarded a DEA Registration Number for the distribution and dispensing of prohibited medications, but she was not authorized to prescribe controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain or family members.

The indictment further alleges that between January 11, 2020 and November 27, 2020, Sherrard provided and dispensed controlled substances to members of her family without a valid medical reason and outside the scope of her professional practice. Hydrocodone, Adderrall, Xanax, and Clonazepam were some of these restricted substances.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the counts involving illegal dispensing and distribution, Sherrard faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine if convicted. In addition, if convicted, Sherrard faces up to four years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the improper use of a DEA Registration Number issued to another individual.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case, which is being probed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.