Joint investigation leads to Jasper's doctor's suspension

Through a joint investigation of the Jasper Police Department at the Texas Medical Board (TMB), the license of Dr. Carlos D. Cunado of Jasper has been suspended.

"We had several calls and complaints from citizens about his practices and they felt like he was possibly dispensing drugs without cause to their loved ones," said Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter. "We had met with area medical staff and contacted the Texas Medical Board to begin our investigation.

"What we found out that he was indiscriminately dispensing narcotics," Hunter said.

Hunter said the police investigation revealed that Cunado didn't require any medical records to make a diagnosis.

"In fact, one individual said he told Cunado's staff he didn't have any medical records and he was told he didn't need any, just his wallet," Hunter said.

A TMB panel temporarily suspended the license after determining that Cunado's practice of medicine presents a continuing threat to the public welfare.

Cunado operated private pain management clinics in Beaumont and in Jasper on State Street.

According to Hunter, Cunado ran his office in Jasper a couple of days a week.

Areview of randomly selected medical charts revealed that all of the patients were chronic pain patients who were receiving virtually the same narcotics, muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines.

All received a "pain cocktail" and all were prescribed the same combination no matter what their complaint. Cunado was working on a cash basis with these patients.

The board now requires Cunado's charts be monitored and that Cunado keep the board informed of all practice addresses. Cunado had not provided the board with charts from the private pain management clinic.

The suspension is effective immediately, and the length of the suspension is indefinite.

Hunter said Cunado may face criminal charges and "the investigation is still ongoing."