Four veterinarians are facing criminal charges after allegedly administering drugs to Thoroughbred racehorses within 24 hours of races at the Penn National Race Track in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

United States Attorney Peter Smith said that on March 26, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania filed criminal charges against Kevin L. Brophy, DVM, of Annville, Pennsylvania; Fernando E. Motta, DVM, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Christopher G. Korte, DVM, of Pueblo, Colorado; and Renee D. Nodine, VMD, also of Annville. Each is charged separately, Smith said.

The alleged doping took place at various times, beginning as early as 1986 and continuing to August 2014, Smith said. The alleged activity violates Pennsylvania criminal law forbidding the rigging of publicly exhibited contests; administering drugs not pursuant to a valid prescription, and constituted misbranding of prescription animal drugs in violation of federal law.

The charges allege that the four conspired with horse trainers to administer the drugs in violation of the rules and laws governing horse racing, he said. The charges state that horse trainers allegedly placed orders for drugs and the four veterinarians allegedly administered the drugs