Dept. of Justice opens investigation into clinic

BLUE RIVER: In documents issued in May, the Oregon Dept. of Justice has requested all information involving the activities of McKenzie Valley Wellness (MVW) and the Orchid Health Clinic beginning in January 1st, 2017 related to the operations of charitable trusts or a nonprofit corporation. Several different areas are coming up for review.

MVW has been ordered to produce all records related to the activities of its board of directors, its bylaws, and membership lists, as well as financial transactions and passwords to electronic bookkeeping records or a general ledger.

Documents related to the transfer of assets and/or liabilities between McKenzie Valley Wellness and the McKenzie River Clinic are to be produced, along with records of fire relief funds or grants.

The type of documentation the DOJ order covers is extensive. It includes everything from written or printed matter to photographs, sound and video recordings, computer files, and file folders.

The order sent to the Orchid Clinic asks for similar materials that cover areas like sales agreements, deeds, escrow documents and payment information. In addition, the DOJ is calling for all documents related to Orchid’s agreements to purchase insurance for the clinic building and its contents on Dexter Street that burned in the Holiday Farm Fire.

Materials related to the order are to be produced by June 21st. Although any possible date or time for a court appearance isn’t part of the order, Senior Assistant Attorney General Susan Bower notes it is subject to the same force and effect as a subpoena. Tampering with any of the evidence could result in one year in jail or a $6,250 fine for an individual or a $5,000 fine for a corporation.