PANAMA CITY — Following federal search warrants executed Friday at Gulf Coast Dermatology’s main office, officials of the medical complex were still unsure Monday as to the nature of the search, according to company representatives.
Workers arrived Friday morning at Gulf Coast Dermatology, 2505 Harrison Ave., only to be interrupted by federal agents in search of documents. The business remained closed the rest of the day as FBI investigators served a federal warrant, evacuated the building and demanded to look through documents.
The business was open Monday.
However, authorities and representatives of the company are not disclosing the cause for the surprise visit.
Company spokeswoman Beth Courtney said the FBI has not made clear what the agents sought, and no federal charges had been filed against Gulf Coast Dermatology as of Monday.
“We’ve cooperated, but there isn’t a lot that can be said at this point,” Courtney said. “This could be a lengthy process.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Northwest Florida said the federal search warrants at Gulf Coast Dermatology have been sealed from public viewing. FBI officials declined to comment on the nature of the search, but they did reveal that agents executed two search warrants on the business.
Federal court documents also reflect that no charges have been filed against Gulf Coast Dermatology, Dr. Jon Ward, company president, or Dr. Michael A. Stickler, vice president.
Ward did not return a request for comment Monday.