Just follow the money trail ?
An East Tennessee addiction recovery center that was recently raided by federal drug enforcement agents has contributed more than $20,000 to various legislators and their political action committees in the last four years.
On May 2, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration raided Watauga Recovery Centers, an addiction treatment clinic with locations in East Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.
Although no one was arrested or charged with a crime, agents looked for medical and financial records, said Dr. Tom Reach, the founder and president of the clinic, according to WJHL.
The $20,000 in contributions are listed as coming from Reach and the center itself.
The East Tennessee television station initially reported that DEA spokesman Jim Scott said search warrants were issued for multiple locations. Scott refused to answer questions from the USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee, referring inquiries to the U.S. attorney’s office.
A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Doug Overbey’s office directed questions to an office in Virginia, which declined to comment.
Reach and a spokesperson for the clinic did not respond to a request for comment.
In the last four years, Reach has donated $14,500 to nine lawmakers, according to campaign finance records.
In addition to Reach’s donations, Watauga Recovery Centers has donated an additional $8,400 to many of the same politicians, including the political action committee of the House Republican Caucus.
Among the top recipients of donations from Reach and Watauga Recovery are Reps. Matthew and Timothy Hill.
Since 2015, Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, has received $4,700 in contributions from Reach and the recovery center. His brother, Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, received $2,500 from Reach and the center over a two-year period.
In a joint statement, the Hill brothers said they were surprised to learn about the “DEA visits” to the clinic.
“They have a reputation for successfully treating patients with addiction issues in our community and have often been recognized for their standard of care,” the Hills said, adding they were learning about the developments through the media.
Beyond the Hills, Rep. Micah Van Huss, R-Jonesborough, also received contributions totaling $1,500 in 2016 from Reach and the recovery center.
In 2016 and 2017, Van Huss reported Watauga Recovery Centers as a source of income. His latest statement of interest no longer lists the business as a source of income.
In an interview, Van Huss said he made the company’s website at the cost of about $2,600.
Van Huss said he included the business as a source of income in 2017 because he updated the website.
He pointed out that he was not the only one to receive money from Reach and the center.
“They’ve given to other politicians too,” he said.
Others lawmakers to receive donations from Reach or the recovery center in recent years include former Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Reps. John Holsclaw and Cameron Sexton and Sen. Jon Lundberg — who received the money when he was a member of the House.
Former Reps. Dennis Brooks and Tony Shipley also received contributions from Reach and the center.
Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.
Filed under: General Problems
3% success rate is nothing to brag about. HOW MUCH HAS PROP DONATED. THEY OWN PHOENIX HOUSE. I BET MILLIONS!!!!!
Ha ha ha!! They raided them to only find out that the center has been contributing to the representatives. Republican. Hmm. I have to wonder how many other Addiction centers are doing the same to get politicians to vote towards Everyone is addicted to bring them more business?