Sometimes you scratch your head and
wonder. Is there something I don't understand? I am baffled about how
law enforcement draws some very questionable lines when pressure from
above comes to bear. If you are like me and try to read between the
lines, your suspicion grows and grows. I know a man I believe has
been persecuted for no cause.
It has been nearly three years ago
(September 25, 2014) when local and federal officials executed search
warrants at Paul Vernier's properties -- Community Counseling
Treatment Services Center in Ironton, Ohio, as well as at his two
facilities in Portsmouth and his home.
During the raid, authorities said they were looking for evidence in a drug trafficking and money laundering case they claimed had been in the works for more than a year. The authorities said Vernier and his staff took part in illegal activities including drug trafficking, money laundering, insurance fraud and forging prescriptions.
During the raid, authorities said they were looking for evidence in a drug trafficking and money laundering case they claimed had been in the works for more than a year. The authorities said Vernier and his staff took part in illegal activities including drug trafficking, money laundering, insurance fraud and forging prescriptions.
Yet to this day, Paul Vernier has not
been charged or arrested for criminal activities. That is what I
said: he has yet to be charged.
The police impounded Vernier's vehicles
and other property he owned, and he has yet to recover these
possessions. These authorities totally ransacked his home. And, all
the while, he was left to wonder why he was targeted for any criminal
activity – particularly since reputable sources say Vernier was a
stickler about "dotting all the i's and crossing all
the t's" of complicated medical treatment
procedures.
There is no doubt the raid did irreparable damage to Paul Vernier's livelihood and reputation. Even more devastating is that in the middle of a deadly opioid epidemic, authorities shut down a life-saving resource and increased the danger of overdose death and addiction in Southern Ohio.
There is no doubt the raid did irreparable damage to Paul Vernier's livelihood and reputation. Even more devastating is that in the middle of a deadly opioid epidemic, authorities shut down a life-saving resource and increased the danger of overdose death and addiction in Southern Ohio.
Vernier is a veteran who, himself, had
been addicted for 25 years. He got sober and has maintained sobriety
for nearly 20 years. He wanted to pay back, so he dedicated himself
to helping others by enrolling in college and working diligently to
attain degrees in education, counseling, and human development. Then,
he realized his dream by opening the Community Counseling facilities.
At his counseling facilities, Paul
Vernier helped his clients attain GED's, find jobs, secure housing,
and work with children's services. His concern always has been to
make a better place to live for all his clients and for all the
people of Scioto County. But, it all came to an abrupt end
approximately three years ago.
In in amazing gesture of commitment and
grace, Paul Vernier and his family still have church services at the
counseling center in Rosemount two nights a month. Ministers come
from as far away as Tennessee to lead the congregation. Several of
Vernier's clients are always there for these services. Everyone is
welcome to attend.
It is my understanding that the
authorities have returned two of his vehicles and two pill counters –
strangely giving back pieces while holding the rest. Doesn't this
seem amazing considering the time that has passed and the vague,
accusatory circumstances? Parceling out bits of a broken life, the
law prolongs the investigation. For what? Do the authorities hope to
make a deal of some kind with a man who has not been charged with any
crime? Vernier is caught in limbo.
Consider this same thing happening to
you. One day law enforcement invades your job and your home, leaving
your world in shambles. You, your family, and your friends patiently
wait and wait only to be left on a perpetual merry-go-round with no
charges or convictions. I cannot imagine the pain caused by such an
intrusion. I believe I would be livid, ready to excise my pound of
flesh. Yet today, Paul Vernier waits patiently for justice and
vindication. All the while his clients – actual and potential –
suffer. No one will ever know how many will never return. Imagine the
added horror of the continual speculation.
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