Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Ruston Woman with Illegally Dispensing and Distributing Controlled Substances

SHREVEPORT, La. – 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, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.

The indictment alleges that Sherrard was a nurse practitioner licensed to practice in the State of Louisiana and worked with a physician in Ruston. Count 1 of the indictment charges Sherrard with the use of a DEA Registration Number issued to another person; Counts 2 through 41 charge Sherrard with illegal dispensation and distribution of controlled substances outside the bounds of professional medical practice. In addition, the indictment seeks forfeiture of Sherrard’s license to practice as a nurse practitioner in the State of Louisiana.

It is alleged in the indictment that Sherrard was authorized to distribute and dispense controlled substances so long as these acts were in accordance with the collaborative practice agreement between she and the physician. Sherrard had a DEA Registration Number issued to her for use in distributing and dispensing controlled substances, but she was not authorized to prescribe controlled substances in connection with treatment for chronic pain or in connection with the treatment of family members.

The indictment further alleges that on or about January 11, 2020, through November 27, 2020, Sherrard knowingly and intentionally distributed and dispensed controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice to members of her family. These controlled substances included Hydrocodone, Adderrall, Xanax, and Clonazepam.

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

If convicted, Sherrard faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the counts involving illegal dispensation and distribution.  In addition, if convicted, Sherrard faces a sentence of up to 4 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the count involving illegal use of a DEA Registration Number issued to another person. 

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

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