November 9, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Anthony James Newton, R.Ph., based on his felony conviction in the 31st Judicial Circuit Court, St. Clair County, Michigan.

On June 14, 2004, Newton was convicted of Controlled Substance-Possession/Analogues, a felony. As a result, Newton was sentenced to jail for 30 days, placed on probation for a period of 12 months, with terms, and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $867.59. The conviction stemmed from Newton’s diversion of a controlled substance for his personal use while employed as a pharmacist.

On October 25, 2004, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Newton’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Newton’s pharmacist license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.