The owner of Infusion Wellness Spa in Cullman has been released after being in jail since August 16.
The bail amount on 25 charges related to fraudulent prescriptions was $1.05 million. There is no indication yet as to whether the bond was cash, posted by a bail bondsman upon 10% fee, or a property bond. There is also no report yet as to who posted the bond.
Whitney Cheatham, 33 of Cullman, is charged with the following counts:
- 3 counts of drug trafficking
- 1 count of criminal conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
- 1 count of attempted drug trafficking
- 6 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
- 1 count of attempted unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
- 1 count of criminal conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances
- 1 count of practicing medicine without a license
- 11 counts of fourth-degree forgery
Cheatham’s unusual smiling mugshot, taken by the Cullman Police Department, went viral on social media:
A search warrant was executed at Infusion Wellness on August 11. The Cullman Police Department had been notified on August 5 about an alleged series of forged prescriptions filled at multiple local pharmacies.
According to Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan, these prescriptions were used to obtain a range of medications, including controlled narcotics. Key evidence was collected in the search.
Arrest warrants for Cheatham were issued on August 15. She turned herself in on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. and was taken into custody without incident.
Her bail was initially set at $1.7 million but later lowered to $1.05 million. She has remained in the Cullman County Detention Center since August 16.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said his office approved the warrants.
Cheatham’s father, Kelvin Cheatham, was later arrested on related charges.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]
