Who We Are & Why We Care

Welcome to Brinks DEA Consulting

Welcome to Brinks DEA Consulting. We invite you to learn more about who we are, meet our experienced team, explore our mission, discover the services we offer, and understand the core values that guide everything we do.

Who Are We

Brinks DEA Consulting specializes in helping healthcare providers and organizations navigate the complex landscape of DEA compliance and regulatory requirements. Led by Scott Brinks, the firm offers expert guidance on controlled substance regulations, audits, and risk mitigation strategies. With decades of experience in law enforcement and regulatory affairs, the consultancy provides tailored solutions to ensure clients meet federal standards. Brinks DEA Consulting is committed to protecting public health while supporting the operational integrity of medical and pharmaceutical practices.

Our Mission

What We Do

Core Values of Brinks DEA Consulting

Integrity Over Intimidation
We believe in empowering registrants through education and expert guidance—not fear. Our mission is to support compliance with DEA regulations by sharing our deep knowledge and experience, not by pressuring clients into services.
Excellence Through Experience
We exclusively hire and subcontract with the most seasoned and respected former DEA Diversion Investigators. Every new team member must be unanimously approved by current staff, ensuring a consistent standard of excellence.
Quality Without Compromise
We will always prioritize the integrity of our work over profit. If we cannot provide a qualified consultant who meets our standards, we will respectfully decline the engagement.
Financial Responsibility
Brinks DEA Consulting operates with zero debt and does not use credit. This principle ensures long-term stability and independence in how we serve our clients.

Scott Brinks is a nationally recognized authority in controlled substance regulation, diversion prevention, and pharmaceutical compliance, backed by 28 years of distinguished federal law enforcement and DEA leadership. His roles included Diversion Investigator, Group Supervisor, Policy Staff Coordinator, and Section Chief for DEA regulatory drafting.

Contact: 216-313-8191
Email: scott@sbrinksconsulting.com

Scott Brinks, Founder/Chief Consultant

Mr. Brinks began his federal career in 2001 as a Diversion Investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), following prior service as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army and a civilian police officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He served in the Cleveland Resident Office, where he led complex investigations into pharmaceutical diversion. He later became Group Supervisor in Indiana and Illinois, managing multi-jurisdictional enforcement operations and overseeing teams of investigators.

At DEA Headquarters, Mr. Brinks held several pivotal leadership roles, including:

Staff Coordinator of the Policy Section

Staff Coordinator of the Import/Export Section

Unit Chief of the Liaison Section

Section Chief of the Regulatory Drafting and Policy Support Section

As Section Chief, he directed all federal regulatory drafting for the DEA, overseeing the development of Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, Final Rules, and emergency regulatory actions. His leadership significantly increased DEA’s regulatory output and played a critical role during the COVID-19 public health emergency, rapidly adapting DEA policy to meet urgent healthcare needs.

Mr. Brinks is widely recognized for his expertise in DEA regulations, policy development, and legislative strategy. He has advised senior officials at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Department of Justice (DOJ), and DEA leadership, and has represented the agency at national conferences, trade associations, and interagency coalitions. He also chaired the DEA Diversion Investigator Hiring Panel, ensuring talent alignment across the agency.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brinks has trained hundreds of professionals in law enforcement, healthcare, and industry on pharmaceutical diversion, compliance, and regulatory interpretation. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

- United States Attorney’s Award for Distinguished Service
- National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) Investigation of the Year
- DEA Performance Awards (2021–2023)

Mr. Brinks holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Leo University. His leadership is defined by integrity, innovation, and a commitment to public service.

Sarah Boblenz brings over 22 years of DEA experience as a Diversion Investigator, Diversion Group Supervisor, Diversion Program Manager, and Senior Policy Analyst. She specializes in DEA policy, controlled substance investigations, regulatory training, and helping registrants navigate compliance with the Controlled Substances Act.

Contact: 865-659-8216

Email: sarah.boblenz@sbrinksconsulting.com

Sarah Boblenz, Senior Consultant

Sarah Boblenz is a seasoned regulatory and policy expert with over two decades of distinguished service at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Now serving as a Senior Consultant at Brinks Consulting, LLC, she brings unparalleled insight into controlled substances regulation, investigative procedures, and compliance strategies. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public safety, regulatory integrity, and professional excellence.

Sarah retired from the DEA after 22 years, where she held multiple leadership and analytical roles, including:

Senior Policy Analyst in the Diversion Control Division, where she authored critical manuals and served as a subject matter expert on the Controlled Substances Act.
Diversion Program Manager for the Omaha Field Division, overseeing regulatory operations across five states and mentoring over two dozen staff.
Staff Coordinator and Acting Section Chief, leading national policy initiatives and COVID-19 regulatory responses.
Supervisory Diversion Investigator, managing investigations and coordinating inter-agency efforts.
International Investigator in New Delhi, India, spearheading cross-border investigations and training foreign law enforcement on chemical trafficking.

Sarah’s core competencies include:

Regulatory and policy analysis of controlled substances and listed chemicals
Drafting and editing DEA manuals and guidance documents
Training and mentoring investigators and analysts
Liaising with federal, state, and international agencies
Managing sensitive investigations and confidential matters
Public speaking and stakeholder engagement

Sarah has had many notable contributions to DEA:

Authored comprehensive DEA regulatory policies and guidance materials.
Lead author of the Diversion Investigator Manual (2022) and its SOPs
Managed external-facing manuals for pharmacists, practitioners, researchers, and chemical handlers
Presented at major conferences including:
- National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities (2022, 2023)
- Healthcare Waste Conference (2023)
- SAMHSA Region 7 (2024)
- Operation Regulatory Wellness (2024)

Education & Training

Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degrees from Wartburg University
Extensive professional training including:
- Supervisory Development Institute
- Advanced Diversion Investigator Training
- DEA Financial Investigation Techniques
- Instructor Development and Presentation Schools

Why Work With Sarah

Sarah Boblenz is a trusted advisor for DEA registrants, healthcare institutions, and pharmaceutical organizations seeking clarity and compliance in navigating the Controlled Substances Act. Her blend of field experience, policy acumen, and educational background makes her an invaluable resource for regulatory guidance and strategic consulting.