Ron is a member in the firm's Litigation and Healthcare groups and provides a robust defense in federal and state proceedings. In addition, Ron regularly serves as local counsel assisting national law firms with legal issues in the Pacific Northwest.
Ron entered private practice after a distinguished career with the United States Department of Justice, serving 22 years as a federal prosecutor in Seattle where he gained exposure to a variety of legal issues. Ron prosecuted hundreds of cases, supervised federal grand juries for 6 years, and successfully tried many cases. Ron is responsible for developing multiple highly successful and nationally recognized law enforcement programs, including Operation Stolen Valor focusing on armed services fraud, and Operation Midnight Express focusing on drug diversion.
Ron’s private practice is very diverse, and he enjoys helping people navigate difficult and challenging problems. He handles a variety of complex regulatory, civil, and criminal matters on behalf of individuals and businesses. Ron regularly assists clients with compliance issues and advises and defends clients facing government investigations of all types, civil and criminal. Ron represents individuals and companies in a variety of contexts, including clients who are the target or subject of regulatory investigations, clients wishing to implement compliance and due diligence protocols, clients who are witnesses in grand jury proceedings, and clients accused of criminal wrongdoing at all stages of proceedings. In criminal matters, Ron has helped many clients successfully avoid charges and fines entirely, reduced their exposure, or obtained dismissal of charges. While the results achieved in any case may vary, persistence, reasonableness, and commitment to principle have been key to this success.
Ron has extensive experience in healthcare and pharmaceutical compliance and licensing. Ron represents many companies at all levels of the healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution chain, as well as food and medical device manufacturers and distributors. In addition, Ron assists healthcare providers and practitioners with successful resolution of regulatory issues, including disciplinary proceedings. In addition, Ron has substantial experience defending civil qui tam and false claims actions and responding to financial fraud and business practice issues and investigations.
Representative Experience
- Represented regional drug chain in False Claims Act action brought by U.S. Department of Justice. Matter settled for 4% of government’s demand.
- Represented healthcare diagnostic laboratory in HIPAA compliance action; no charges brought.
- Represented national drug manufacturer in civil action by state Attorney General alleging negligence, public nuisance, violations of state consumer protection act.
- Represented the president of a hospital services corporation in federal criminal case alleging securities fraud and market manipulation
- Represented national retail drug chain in DEA compliance investigation
- Represented national drug wholesaler in board of pharmacy compliance investigation
- Represented a major league sports franchise in DEA regulatory investigation; no charges brought
- Represented pharmacist in dispute with Kansas Board of Pharmacy challenging an order revoking the license of the pharmacist. The order was vacated in its entirety and dismissed.
- Represented the president of an environmental inspection company in federal criminal case alleging conspiracy to defraud and violations of Clean Air Act; all felony charges dismissed
- Represented local compounding pharmacy in Florida Board of Pharmacy investigation resulting from FDA inspection. No charges brought.
- Represented national drug distributor in Board of Pharmacy compliance proceedings
- Represented specialty pharmacy in PBM dispute. Complete recovery made
- Represented clinic-based pharmacy in FDA compliance investigation. Successfully resolved
- Represented compounding pharmacy in FDA compliance investigation. Successfully resolved
- Represented national drug manufacturer in federal civil action relating to alleged false claims
- Represented national pharmacy retail chain in DEA compliance investigation
- Represented corporate employee in “insider trading” investigation; no charges brought following federal investigation
- Represented a retail drug store chain and pharmacists in DEA and state regulatory investigation alleging noncompliance and records violations
- Represented a national food manufacturer in FDA action seeking a recall; recall averted
- Represented mega-church in federal criminal investigation; no charges brought
- Represented an aircraft parts supplier in due diligence FCPA investigation
- Represented national engineering firm in Qui Tam civil fraud investigation; fraud charges dismissed
- Represented CFO of a national labor corporation in whistleblower investigation alleging accounting fraud
- Represented CFO of a national engineering company in Department of Defense fraud investigation; no charges brought
- Represented national drug distributor in DEA criminal investigation related to 21 CFR compliance. No charges brought.
- Represented closed door hospice and specialty pharmacies with variety of business, regulatory, and licensing issues
- Represented several out of state pharmacies, including compounding and specialty pharmacies in regulatory board of pharmacy proceedings in their states
- Represented numerous physicians in responding to Medical Quality Assurance Commission investigations and developing due diligence protocols
- Represented medical trauma training center in DEA regulatory compliance investigation
- Represented physician in criminal investigation alleging unlawful inducement/kickbacks. No charges brought
- Represented physician in criminal investigation alleging unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. No charges brought.
- Represented multiple pain clinics and physicians in DEA and state board compliance investigations across the United States
- Represented CEO of an oil drilling company conducting business overseas in a criminal case alleging wire fraud and tax evasion
- Represented a chain of health care clinics and a corporate officer in an FDA investigation alleging unlawful importation of a misbranded drug, sale of an unapproved new drug and false statements
- Represented a national medical product wholesaler in an FDA investigation alleging misbranding and improper sale of merchandise. Recall averted; product deemed compliant
- Represented a national environmental company in an investigation alleging violations of the Clean Water Act, RCRA and FIFRA; no charges brought following federal investigation
- Represented a Washington State political party official in a federal criminal investigation alleging fraud and false statement; federal indictment dismissed
- Represented a national drug wholesaler and distributor in an FDA criminal investigation alleging the sale of stolen merchandise; no charges brought following lengthy DOJ investigation
- Represented a financial investment advisor in a federal criminal case alleging bank fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and unlawful conversion; no charges brought
- Represented a public school fiscal officer in an investigation alleging theft and public corruption; no charges brought
- Represented a seafood processing company in a State investigation alleging criminal violations of fisheries law
- Represented a media representative in an FBI investigation alleging unauthorized disclosure of classified information
- Represented pharmacies, pharmaceutical, and health care companies in licensing matters and regulatory compliance
Presentations & Publications
- Speaker, “Best Practices Regarding DEA Pharmacy Inspections and Resolving Prescription Red Flags”, Northwest Pharmacy Convention (May 31, 2025)
- Speaker, “DEA Inspections and Red-Flag Dilemmas – What’s a Pharmacy to Do?”, American Associated Pharmacies (AAP) Annual Conference (April 10, 2025)
- Speaker, “Red Flags and the Intersection of Pharmacy & the Criminal Law”, Northwest Pharmacy Convention (June 1, 2024)
- Speaker, “Defense of Pharmacies and Healthcare Professionals in DOJ and DEA Criminal Investigations and Actions”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Diplomat Program (February 20, 2024)
- Speaker, “Ethical Rules for Attorneys in Pharmacy Practice: Doing Things Right”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 4, 2023)
- Speaker, “Combatting Hate Crimes: The Role of Lawyers and the Legal System”, Seattle University School of Law (March 8, 2023)
- Speaker, “Pharmacists Ask: What is my ‘Corresponding Responsibility’ in 2022 Regarding Controlled Substances”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 5, 2022)
- Speaker, “Challenges Faced by Surgery Centers in the Dispensing of Pharmaceuticals”, Washington Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (WASCA) Annual Conference (November 4, 2021)
- Quoted in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, regarding DEA compliance, “Is the Clock Ticking on faxed Orders,” January 15, 2021
- Speaker, “Addressing Challenges Posed by A Pandemic (COVID-19) to the Practice of Pharmacy”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 5, 2020)
- Speaker, “New Objects of Addiction,” American Conference Institute’s Third National Summit on Controlled Substances (July 22, 2020)
- Author, “2020 Update Regarding the Importation of Prescription Drugs: Pathway to Importation from Canada Initiated, Risk Remains,” American Bar Association Health Law Section Newsletter, ABA Health eSource (January 2020).
- Speaker, “Regulatory Compliance Involving Ekits and Navigating the Theft/Loss Reporting Requirement in The Long-Term Care Sector”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 8, 2019)
- Speaker, “Pharmacy Law Regulatory Update: Red Flags, Suspicious Orders, and PDMP Programs,” National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), Annual Conference (September 12, 2019)
- Speaker, “Medical-Assisted Treatment in Opioid Addiction Setting,” American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting (APhA2019) (March 23, 2019)
- Speaker, “Controlled Substances 101: Introduction to the Fundamentals,” American Conference Institute’s Summit on Controlled Substances (February 4, 2019)
- Speaker, “Demystifying Buprenorphine Opioid Addiction Treatment,” American Society for Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 2, 2018)
- Author, “Update Regarding the Importation of Prescription Drugs: Canadian Importer, President Plead Guilty” American Bar Association Health Law Section Newsletter, ABA Health eSource (April 2018)
- Author, “Importing Prescription Drugs Remains Risky Business Due to FDA and DEA Regulation,” American Bar Association Health Law Section Newsletter, ABA Health eSource (March 2018)
- Speaker, “Prescription Audits: When the DEA or AG Come Knocking,” Strafford Live CLE Webinar, Co-presenter (August 17, 2017)
- Author, “Ethics and Our Criminal Justice System,” Compliance & Ethics Professional (June 2016)
- Quoted in Chronicle-Tribune article, “America’s war on prescription drug abuse,” May 19, 2016
- Speaker, “Addressing the Bouncing Ball of Prescription Drug Abuse: What have we Learned?”, Marion General Hospital, Marion, Illinois (May 18, 2016)
- Speaker, “Cracking the Code: Pharmaceutical & Controlled Substance Compliance for Remote Healthcare,” Webinar (March 31, 2016)
- Author, “Be Careful What You Wish For: DOJ’s Recent Guidance Prioritizing Prosecution Of Individuals For Alleged Corporate Wrongdoing”, American Society of Pharmacy Law Newsletter (January/February 2016)
- Quoted in national food journal regarding federal indictments of dietary supplement manufacturers, “Emails Highlighted as Incriminating Evidence in USPlabs Indictment,” National Products Insider, November 30, 2015
- Speaker, “Law Enforcement Responses to Fraud Rings, Burglaries and Robberies,” National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, Co-presenter (April 7, 2015)
Author, “New, Final DEA Drug Disposal Rules Are Shady on Details,” Law 360 (September 19, 2014) - Speaker, “Representing Clients Targeted by Law Enforcement for a Voluntary Interview,” Muslim Advocates Webinar (June 3, 2014)
- Speaker, “Drugs R Us’: Navigating the Perilous Road Between Patient Needs and Government Scrutiny Involving Controlled Substances,” Oregon Health Care Association Annual Conference (September 16, 2013)
- Quoted in Seattle PI article, “Feds drop charges against Eastside developer’s son, daughter-in-law,” July 31, 2013
- Speaker, “Impact of Guidelines in Federal Healthcare Fraud Cases,” National Federal Sentencing Guidelines Conference (May 23, 2013)
- Speaker, “2013 Regulatory Enforcement Update,” Washington State Pharmacy Association’s Annual New Drugs New Laws Conference (February 10, 2013, April 21, 2013)
- Author, “Beware Pharmacy Record-Keeping Violations,” Law 360 (April 9, 2013)
- Speaker, “2012 Regulatory Enforcement Update,” American Society for Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 16, 2012)
- Author, “The Case for Compounding Pharmacy,” Law 360 (November 9, 2012)
- Speaker, “Protect Your DEA Registration and Your Revenue’s Practice,” DecisionHealth Webinar, Host (January 26, 2012)
- Speaker, “Navigating the Difficult Road of Effective Pain Management: Understanding the New Opioid Rules,” Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Continuing Medical Education (December 16, 2011)
- Speaker, “DEA Decisions: Making Sense of Dissonant Decisions When Representing Pharmacists, “American Society for Pharmacy Law Annual Conference (November 18, 2011)
- Quoted in New York Times article, “Risky Investment, Made Unwittingly,” October 21, 2011
- Author, “DEA Audits: Coming to a Theater Near You,” American Bar Association Health Law Section Newsletter, ABA Health eSource (October 2011)
- Author, “Lessons from the Failed Prosecution of In-House Pharmaceutical Counsel,” American Bar Association Criminal Litigation Section Newsletter, Co-author (Fall 2011)
- Author, “Understanding the New Washington State Pain Medication and Opioid Rules,” Washington State Pharmacy Association Website (June 2011)
- Speaker, “Avoiding Responding to Government Investigations of Medical Providers Who Prescribe Controlled Substances,” Washington State Society of Healthcare Attorneys’ Winter Quarterly Presentation (March 1, 2011)
- Author, “A Knock at the Door: Responding to Government Investigations,” Physicians Risk Management Update (January 2011)
- Speaker, “Defending a Financial Fraud Case and Getting a Good Result,” Northwest Fraud Investigators Association Conference (November 5, 2010)
- Author, “Increased Scrutiny of Medical Providers: A Cause for Reflection and Diligence,” American Academy of Pain Management’s quarterly magazine, The Pain Practitioner (Summer 2010)
- Author, “When is a Kickback a Kickback? – Navigating the Perilous Road of Marketing Incentives in the Pharmaceutical Industry,” Contract Pharma Magazine (May 2010)
- Speaker, “Responding to Audits and Investigations of One’s Medical Practice,” Washington Society of Addiction Medicine Conference (March 4, 2010)
- Author, “Swallowing the Wrong Pill—Criminal Drug Diversion by Medical Professionals, a Prosecutor’s Perspective,” Pain Medicine News Magazine (May 2009)
- Author, “Don’t Take the Money and Run—Be Careful When a Client Pays in Cash,” National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Magazine (July 2007)
Association Memberships
- Washington State Bar
- District of Columbia Bar
Professional and Community Activities
- Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Holocaust Center for Humanity, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting ideals of tolerance, and preventing hate, bigotry and genocide (2011-Present)
- Communications Committee, American Society for Pharmacy Law (2016-present)
- Member, American Pharmacists Association (APhA) (2018-Present)
- Member, Washington State Pharmacy Association (2012-Present)
- Academic Peer Reviewer, California Pharmacist
- Member, Washington State Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Advisory Group (2010-2012)
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (2010-Present)
- Faculty, Trial Advocacy, University of Washington School of Law (1994-2005)
- Law Clerk to the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman, U.S. District Judge, ED, Louisiana
Education
- J.D., Harvard Law School
- Massachusetts Public Defenders
- Harvard Defenders
- B.A., with highest distinction, University of Virginia
