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Lots of evidence, little action by regulators investigating drug treatment scheme
A lawsuit filed over a man's overdose death at a former treatment facility is raising broader questions about why state regulators haven't taken stronger action.
SEATTLE — An Enumclaw mother has filed a lawsuit following her son's overdose death at a now-closed substance abuse treatment facility, raising broader questions about why state regulators haven't taken stronger action against those involved despite having substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
Judy Russo, who operates a barbershop in Enumclaw, alleges in her lawsuit that untrained and unqualified staff at Rainier Recovery Centers failed to properly treat her son and falsified medical records. She learned details about the facility's operations through a KING 5 investigation of the treatment center chain published in April.
"They're playing Russian roulette with other people's lives that are vulnerable," Russo said. "I don't think that's right at all."
State records reviewed by KING 5 alleged that the treatment center's owner, Jeremiah Dunlap, was "corrupt" and had established a questionable arrangement with Pierce County DUI lawyer Barbara Bowden. According to state investigators, the arrangement prioritized profits over patient care.
License still valid despite violations
While the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) forced Dunlap to sell his three Rainier Recovery clinics, the agency did not revoke his substance abuse counseling license—despite the documented violations and a previous history of regulatory infractions. Dunlap signed an agreement prohibiting him from owning or managing a treatment center. But he still maintains his professional Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification, which allows him to treat patients.
The Washington State Department of Health declined to comment. “DOH typically does not comment ongoing cases unless or until there is action taken on the license,” said spokesperson John Doyle.
However, evidence suggests Dunlap attempted to open a new clinic. The KING 5 Investigators learned that a business named Peninsula Counseling in Gig Harbor had recently applied to open a treatment facility. Application records listed Sherilyn Finlayson, a former Dunlap employee at Rainier Recovery, as the CEO.
DOH was also investigating and determined that Dunlap was behind the proposed operation, in violation of the agreement that he struck when he surrendered his Rainier Recovery facility license.
On October 15, DOH denied the Peninsula Counseling application citing Dunlap’s role.
"That looks kind of like what he's doing. He's just out for the money, period," Russo said of Dunlap. "And then if he got by with opening one, well then here let's go get another one."
Bar association, courts also silent
The Pierce County lawyer allegedly involved in the arrangement with Dunlap has faced no apparent disciplinary action from the Washington State Bar Association. KING 5's reporting revealed that Barbara Bowden was engaged in similar conduct a decade ago, yet no action was taken at that time. There is no current evidence of disciplinary proceedings.
A Washington State Bar Association spokesperson said, “We have no public records regarding Barbara Bowden.” The spokesperson cited a court rule “…prohibiting us from commenting on (or confirming/denying) discipline proceedings until a grievance reaches a certain level of disciplinary action.”
The Pierce County courts in which Bowden practices have refused to comment in response to numerous inquiries from KING 5. She routinely appears with DUI clients in Pierce County District Court, and city courts in Bonney Lake, Fife, Milton, Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor and Kent.
Both Dunlap and Bowden have previously denied any wrongdoing.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about regulatory oversight in Washington's substance abuse treatment industry and whether agencies are doing enough to protect vulnerable clients when they have documents, witness testimony, and evidence of violations.