DEA Denies Registration Application of David S. Pecora, P.A.
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On October 17, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the denial of an application for DEA controlled substances registration submitted by David S. Pecora, P.A., of Bemidji, Minnesota. The application control number was W23054133M.
Reasons for Denial
The DEA denied Mr. Pecora’s application because he was found to have made false statements on five DEA registration applications, including the most recent application in May 2023. The agency also found that granting registration to Mr. Pecora would not be in the public interest.
Default in Proceedings
Mr. Pecora was notified of the allegations and given a chance to respond. He did not request a hearing, submit an answer, or respond. Because of this, the DEA determined he was in default. By default, he was also considered to have admitted to the facts stated in the notice.
Materially False Applications
The DEA determined that Mr. Pecora submitted applications with answers that were false or incomplete. On earlier applications, he answered “no” to questions about past suspensions or denials of state professional licenses, when in fact:
- In July 2007, his West Virginia registered nursing license was suspended.
- In October 2008, his Florida registered nursing license was suspended.
- In July 2012, his application for a physician assistant license in North Dakota was denied.
- His Minnesota physician assistant license was suspended and reinstated several times between 2014 and 2023.
He also failed to truthfully report if he ever surrendered a DEA registration for cause.
Repeated False Answers
On his applications from January 2012, October 2013, January 2016, February 2020 (renewal), and May 2023, Mr. Pecora did not disclose all adverse actions taken against his medical and nursing licenses or his previous surrenders of DEA registrations. The DEA found these omissions and false statements to be material, which means they were important for making a decision on whether to grant or deny a registration.
Findings About Controlled Substance Abuse and Diversion
The DEA record shows:
- In 2007, Mr. Pecora was addicted to zolpidem, a controlled substance, and underwent addiction treatment.
- In 2013, while being monitored for drug abuse, he wrote prescriptions for carisoprodol (Soma) for two volleyball teammates, in return for some of the pills for his own use.
- He ordered carisoprodol online for personal use while in addiction treatment.
- He tested positive without a prescription for carisoprodol.
- In November 2020, Mr. Pecora stole propofol, another controlled substance, from an operating room for personal use.
Public Safety and DEA Standards
The DEA found that Mr. Pecora’s actions included diverting controlled substances for himself by fraudulent prescriptions and theft. He demonstrated a lengthy history of substance abuse and failed to comply with controlled substances laws.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, the DEA must deny a registration if granting it would not be in the public interest. The agency found Mr. Pecora’s conduct threatened public health and safety.
Sanction and Final Decision
Mr. Pecora’s failure to respond was considered a lack of acceptance of responsibility for his actions. The DEA concluded he could not be trusted with a DEA registration.
Therefore, the DEA denied his application for registration. The denial also affects any other pending applications from Mr. Pecora for registration in Minnesota.
The order is effective as of November 17, 2025.
Document Signed
This decision was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 1, 2025.
Heather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, confirmed the publication.
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