Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
Respondent: MARCUS JON VITALI
Judges: BRITTANY O. FINKBEINER
Agency: Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Locations: Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
Filed: Dec. 06, 2019
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
Latest Update: Dec. 22, 2024
FILED
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Deputy Agency Clerk
CLERK Evetle Lawson-Proctor
Date 2/19/2019
STATE OF FLORIDA File #
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION,
DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING,
Petitioner, DBPR Case Nos. 2019-002916
2019-005244
Vv. 2019-005253
MARCUS JON VITALI,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel
Wagering (“Petitioner”), files this Administrative Complaint against Marcus Jon Vitali
(“Respondent”), and alleges as follows:
1. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating pari-mutuel wagering
pursuant to chapter 550, Florida Statutes.
Di At all times material hereto, Respondent held a PMW Individual Occupational
license, number 8591293-1021, issued by Petitioner.
3. Gulfstream Park Racing Association, Inc. (“Gulfstream”) is a facility operated by
a permitholder authorized to conduct pari-mutuel wagering in this state under chapter 550,
Florida Statutes.
4. Pursuant to section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes:
The racing of an animal that has been impermissibly medicated or
determined to have a prohibited substance present is prohibited. It
is a violation of this section for a person to impermissibly medicate
an animal or for an animal to have a prohibited substance present
resulting in a positive test for such medications or substances based
on samples taken from the animal before or immediately after the
racing of that animal.
5. Section 550.2415(1)(c), Florida Statutes, states, “[t]he finding of a prohibited
substance in a race-day specimen constitutes prima facie evidence that the substance was
administered and was carried in the body of the animal while participating in the race.”
6. Rule 61D-6.002(1), Florida Administrative Code, provides that, "[t]he trainer of
record shall be responsible for and be the absolute insurer of the condition of the horses...he/she
enters to race."
COUNT I
(DBPR Case No. 2019-002916)
7. Petitioner realleges and adopts paragraphs numbered one through six as if set
forth fully herein.
8. At all times material hereto, Respondent was the trainer of record for the racing
horse “Sara’s Day” with tattoo number S03830.
9. On December 7, 2018, Sara’s Day participated in the 3" race of the performances
at Gulfstream.
10. On December 7, 2018, Sara’s Day finished in 1“ place in the 3 race of the
performances at Gulfstream.
11. On December 7, 2018, serum sample number 912161 was collected from Sara’s
Day.
12. Serum sample number 912161 was processed and forwarded to the University of
Florida Racing Laboratory (“UF Lab”), for analysis.
13. The UF Lab tested serum sample number 912161 and found that it contained
dexamethasone, which is a corticosteroid and a Class IV drug according to the Uniform
Page 2 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of Racing
Commissioners International, Inc.
14. Dexamethasone was detected at a blood serum concentration of 29 +/- 5 pg/mL
in serum sample number 912161.
15. According to rule 61D-6.008(2)(h), Florida Administrative Code, it is a violation
of section 550.2415, Florida Statutes, if dexamethasone exists at a concentration greater than 5
pe/mL.
16. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida
Statutes, and rule 61D-6.008(2)(h), Florida Administrative Code, by racing “Sara’s Day” with an
impermissible concentration of a prohibited substance in its body on December 7, 2018.
COUNT II
(DBPR Case No. 2019-005244)
17. Petitioner realleges and adopts paragraphs numbered one through six as if set
forth fully herein.
18. At all times material hereto, Respondent was the trainer of record for the racing
horse “Your Only Man” with microchip number 985101045275731.
19. On January 1, 2019, Your Only Man participated in the 4" race of the
performances at Gulfstream.
20. On January 1, 2019, Your Only Man finished in 2™ place in the 4" race of the
performances at Gulfstream.
21. On January 1, 2019, serum sample number 914333 was collected from Your Only
Man.
22. Serum sample number 914333 was processed and forwarded to the University of
Florida Racing Laboratory (“UF Lab”), for analysis.
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2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
23. The UF Lab tested serum sample number 914333 and found that it contained
methocarbamol, which is a skeletal muscle relaxant and a Class IV drug according to the
Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of
Racing Commissioners International, Inc.
24. Méethocarbamol was detected at a blood serum concentration of 1.24 +/- 0.05
ng/mL in serum sample number 914333.
25. According to rule 61D-6.008(2)(q), Florida Administrative Code, it is a violation
of section 550.2415, Florida Statutes, if methocarbamol exists at a concentration greater than |
ng/mL.
26. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida
Statutes, and rule 61D-6.008(2)(q), Florida Administrative Code, by racing “Your Only Man”
with an impermissible amount of a prohibited substance in its body on January 1, 2019.
COUNT Til
(DBPR Case No. 2019-005253)
27. Petitioner realleges and adopts paragraphs numbered one through six as if set
forth fully herein.
28. At all times material hereto, Respondent was the trainer of record for the racing
horse “R Lucky Dice” with tattoo number $14613.
29. On January 6, 2019, R Lucky Dice participated in the 1* race of the performances
at Gulfstream.
30. On January 6, 2019, R Lucky Dice finished in 2" place in the 1“ race of the
performances at Gulfstream.
31. On January 6, 2019, serum sample number 914412 was collected from R Lucky
Dice.
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2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
32. Serum sample number 914412 was processed and forwarded to the University of
Florida Racing Laboratory (“UF Lab”), for analysis.
33. | The UF Lab tested serum sample number 914412 and found that it contained
methocarbamol, which is a skeletal muscle relaxant and a Class IV drug according to the
Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of
Racing Commissioners International, Inc.
34. Methocarbamol was detected at a blood serum concentration of 1.34 +/- 0.05
ng/mL in serum sample number 914412.
35. According to rule 61D-6.008(2)(q), Florida Administrative Code, it is a violation
of section 550.2415, Florida Statutes, if methocarbamol exists at a concentration greater than 1
ng/mL.
36. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida
Statutes, and rule 61D-6.008(2)(q), Florida Administrative Code, by racing “R Lucky Dice” with
an impermissible amount of a prohibited substance in its body on January 6, 2019.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests the Division enter an Order imposing
against Respondent one or more of the penalties specified in rule 61D-6.011, Florida
Administrative Code, section 550.2415(3)(a), Florida Statutes, and/or any other relief that the
Division is authorized to impose pursuant to chapter 550, Florida Statutes, and/or the rules
promulgated thereunder.
[Signatures appear on following page]
Page 5 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
This Administrative Complaint for DBPR Case Nos. 2019-002916, 2019-005244, and
2019-005253 is signed this 18th day of February, 2019.
/s/ James Lewis
JAMES LEWIS
Assistant General Counsel
Florida Bar No. 1002349
James.Lewis@MyFloridaLicense.com
/s/ Louis Trombetta
LOUIS TROMBETTA
Chief Attorney
Florida Bar No. 108119
Louis.Trombetta@MyFloridaLicense.com
Office of the General Counsel
Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202
Telephone: (850)-717-1585
Facsimile: (850) 921-1311
NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO REQUEST A HEARING
Pursuant to section 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, you have the right to request a
hearing to challenge the charges contained in this Administrative Complaint. If you choose to
request a hearing, you will have the right to be represented by counsel, or other qualified
representative, to present evidence and argument, to call and cross-examine witnesses, and to
have subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued on your behalf.
Any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the charges
contained in this Administrative Complaint must conform to rule 28-106.2015, Florida
Administrative Code. Pursuant to rule 28-106.111, Florida Administrative Code, you must
request a hearing within 21 days from receipt of this Notice, or you will waive your right to
request a hearing.
Page 6 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO REQUEST A SPLIT SAMPLE
Pursuant to rule 61D-6.006, Florida Administrative Code, you have the right to request a
split sample with respect to each “Report of Positive Result” from the UF Lab. (Copies attached
as Exhibits “A-C”). To request a split sample, use Form DBPR PMW-3290, Notification to
Stewards/Judge of Split Sample Request (Form 3290).
You can obtain Form 3290, as well as a list of approved split samples laboratories, at the
State Office located in any Florida pari-mutuel facility, or on the Division’s website:
www.tmyfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pmw/forms.html. You must submit Form 3290 to the state
steward, Division hearing officer, or office of the General Counsel, within 10 days from receipt
of this Notice, or you will waive your right to request a split sample.
Page 7 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
EXHIBIT A
01-16-18:04: 50PM; Paw Oper Ca
pot p 912161
UF |FLORIA Wor Ss a
College af Medicine | ~ coon Ch sex sce 3
1 marys lena demlinaadee ruesn t RACE 3
Talahansse, F
~ _ommenes umoowmen_S 08820
TATTOO NU! 30 ry
912161 has been Chromagraphy-tenden = =
Sano ia netpoed by liquid . a ee
dexermeieagone found in serurs
dexamethaaone (9 cordcostercl end clase 4 drug} - the conoentration of daxarnihesone ie 28 +/- 5 ppm
DOrsizi Ha Harea Senum -
oag INTACT
Laberstory Numbor Specimen Final Weight Seal
Gultatraten Park 1207/2018 1A ens
Collacaad Fro Gate Collected Date Aecelved
Purmuantto Chapter B60 2448 (1). FS. the public Glaciguns of the i in
feat ent oO ee eoraeen formelion contabned tus Raport of
. g .
Cramist tv
ars
Domne PATO
Ear) Page 1 of . 19-70
‘The Fowndation for The Gator Nation
An Ipeal Opparnetdiy Leta ten
Page 8 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
EXHIBIT B
ee “owe tt 914333
UNIVERSITY of Wh eaux an
UF |FLoRIDA ama Your Diaby Nor
College of Medicina =~ coron Ch _ sex ace — —_—.
Renter immunology and Labvratory Med FISH Ea RACE
TRACK aS eGR ETA
far SM, 2019 TRAINER —
mua! 1 “re
¥ SAMPLED BY LOER. SEAMEN) Zest
TELDOD}
Mr. Joseph Gilmore, Deputy Director SAMPLED BY: rors)
Division of ParkMutyel Wagering
AZ
Departman of Business and Profasstonal Feguietion STATE * 2 “ste
2601 Stir Signa Rand ¥ a .
Tallanaesee, FL 22386-1037 OWNER'S VO. os
LICENSE NUMBER ———59———
RE: gpot of Paslive Resuet ee nvhaseR SHO 5395721
AL.252-0%
Sample 914334 Nes been analyzed by liquid caromategtabhy ance 1
16 contain the tatlowing:
melhocarbemol found in arm
regroeeetarne| (2 skevatal miugele relaxant and cage 4 dug) - tha concentration of methocarbarvet is 126 +/+
08 nigimi.
077004-FHB done Serum “83g INTACT
Laboratory Number Specimen Final Weight Seal
Gullstream Park Ougizo1g Ovhi2019
Cerlected Fagen Date Collecied Cate Received
Pursyant to Chapter $90.2415 (1), F.5.. the qubse diechseure of the Information contained in this Rapert of
Positlve Fesuilt & authorized on or afer 62/08/2019, or upon commencement of agministrativa action, whichewer
tecure lest, -
Margaret H. Wiging, FAORC - Brooks Nason —
Ageociate Director Chemist lit
Ri
| oneness ian
! Gariticata 6 AT 1642 Vatessre=
alwininod Page 1 of 1 1379
The Foundation for The Gator Nation
‘Ap tqual Sppurtustey Bradsution.
Page 9 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
EXHIBIT C
Set. 6.05 FE TMA Uoerahicts
UNIVERSITY of pte tlielit 914412
UF IFLOR
A SALIX xt
a
College of Medicine AGE
Deparimert of Pathology, Immunology tnd Laborslory Me COLOR A sex F sae if
Racing Laboratory FINISH race
rack — 32)
January 30, 2019 TRAINER LYS AL $ Tah
sampLen BY PCa C1 See [eon
Mr. Joseph Oillmoce, Deputy Diactor
Olvigion of ParkMutuel Yagering SAMPLES BY. 7 mF
Dapartment of Business and Profesaional Regutation STATE
2601 Blaif Stone Road
Yaflahassec, FL 32389-1037 ERS 5
RE: Renor of Posies Aesult LICENSE NUMBEA a
TATTOO NUMBER —DIMet
Sample 914412 has been analyzed by Iiquid chromatography-tatdem = AL.252-04
to Ooftaln the following:
mathocarbamol found in serum
maticearamal (a Skeletal muscle aiaxani and class 4 drug) - the concentration ot mathocarbamol is 1.34 +
0.05 ngimc.
O07 7771-FHE Horse Sera BIg INTACT
Laboratory Number Spacimen Final Weight Seat
Gutisiream Park O1082018 G1ioe2a re
Collected Fram Dale Cobacted Date Racaived
Pursuant lo Ghaptar $30,245 (1), F.S., e public gssclosure of the information contested In this Report at
Positive Result Is euthonzed on oF éfer 02/08/2018, or upon commencement of administrative action, whichever
poours first. “
Marparat H.yVilding, FAQRC ” Brooks Nelson,
Associate Director Charmist iF
Whivemity of Fonda Ptscg Las
ISQMED 17028-2005 arian
‘Senter Paria = Page 1 of 1 19-8)
The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Insbhutiun
Page 10 of 10
2019-002916, 2019-005244, 2019-005253
Docket for Case No: 19-006425PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 26, 2020 |
Order Closing Files and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
|
May 21, 2020 |
Joint Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
May 15, 2020 |
Order Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for June 30 through July 2, 2020; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
|
May 13, 2020 |
Joint Status Report filed.
|
Apr. 13, 2020 |
Order Granting Continuance (parties to advise status by May 13, 2020).
|
Apr. 09, 2020 |
Joint Motion to Continue filed.
|
Feb. 12, 2020 |
Notice of Serving Response to Division's First Request for Admissions filed.
|
Jan. 27, 2020 |
Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for April 20 through 22, 2020; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
|
Jan. 27, 2020 |
Joint Motion to Continue Final Hearing filed.
|
Dec. 27, 2019 |
Respondent's Notice of Serving First Request for Admission, First Request for Production, and First Set of Interrogatories filed.
|
Dec. 16, 2019 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Dec. 16, 2019 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for February 12 through 14, 2020; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
|
Dec. 11, 2019 |
Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 19-6408, 19-6425, 19-6426, 19-6427)
|
Dec. 06, 2019 |
Initial Order.
|
Dec. 06, 2019 |
Election of Rights filed.
|
Dec. 06, 2019 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Dec. 06, 2019 |
Agency referral filed.
|