During the past several weeks, Clayton Police Narcotics Detectives have been working a “Doctor Shopping” case.�

The investigation in this case tends to indicate that the suspect had procured at least 5 overlapping narcotic prescriptions (Hydrocodone and Oxycodone) from at least 6 identified physicians over a 30-day period.  Clayton Detective C. W. Kilpatrick obtained warrants, and Barry Franklin Brisson (39), of 109 Glen Laurel Road, Clayton, NC was arrested yesterday, March 1, 2010.

Brisson was charged with 5 felony counts of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud and 5 felony counts of Trafficking in Opiates.  In each of these cases the suspect had received a prescription which was then filled during a 30-day period.

Brisson was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $500,000.00 secured bond.�

NOTE:  The term “Doctor shopping” refers to the illegal practice of a patient requesting care from multiple physicians, often simultaneously, without making efforts to coordinate care or informing the physicians of the multiple caregivers. This may stem from a patient’s addiction to, or reliance upon, certain prescription drugs or other medical treatment. Usually a patient will be treated by their regular physician and be prescribed a drug that is necessary for the legitimate treatment of their current medical condition. Some patients will then actively seek out other physicians to obtain more of the same medication, often by faking or exaggerating the extent of their true condition and/or withholding information about previous care from other medical providers.