DEA Revokes Dr. James Orrington II’s Right to Handle Controlled Substances
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revoked the registration of Dr. James Orrington II, D.D.S., of Chicago, Illinois. This action means Dr. Orrington can no longer handle controlled substances in the state of Illinois.
The DEA sent an Order to Show Cause to Dr. Orrington on May 23, 2025. The order said he was not allowed to handle controlled substances in Illinois. The order also warned that if he did not respond, he would lose his right to a hearing. Dr. Orrington did not answer the order or ask for a hearing. This means he is in default.
The DEA explained how they tried to contact Dr. Orrington. First, they tried to call him and visit his address. When these steps failed, they mailed the order to his address. The mail was not returned. Then, they emailed the order to him. That email was also not returned. Because none of these attempts failed, the DEA said Dr. Orrington was given enough notice.
According to the facts, Dr. Orrington’s Illinois dental and controlled substance licenses were suspended on May 23, 2024. The DEA checked online records and confirmed that his licenses remain suspended. This means Dr. Orrington is not allowed to practice as a dentist or handle controlled substances in Illinois.
The law says a dentist must have a valid state license to handle these substances. The Controlled Substances Act requires practitioners to have state authority. Since Dr. Orrington’s licenses are suspended, he does not meet this rule.
The DEA cited laws and past cases to support its decision. According to 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3), the Attorney General can revoke a registration if a state license is suspended.
Illinois law defines who can dispense controlled substances, and Dr. Orrington is not currently authorized to do so. Because his licenses are not active, Dr. Orrington cannot keep his DEA registration.
The DEA’s final order says Dr. Orrington’s registration number BO7484811 is revoked. Any requests by Dr. Orrington to renew, change, or add new registrations in Illinois are also denied. This order takes effect on November 19, 2025.
The order was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 9, 2025. The official document was filed for publication in the Federal Register by the DEA Federal Register Liaison Officer, Heather Achbach.
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