A “doctor-shopping” ring broken up by Warren County deputies and the Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to be among cases presented to the Warren County grand jury when they convene today.

The cases against the 13 people are expected to be among the more than 100 cases presented to the grand jury, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The yearlong investigation focused on a group of people who were “doctor-shopping” — going from doctor to doctor — to obtain controlled prescription drugs before diverting them on the streets, Sheriff Martin Pace said.

Most of the 13 arrests involved oxycodone and hydrocodone, both classified by the federal government as Schedule II or III controlled medications for pain relief, and Xanax, a Schedule IV substance used to treat anxiety.

“Abuse of prescription drugs is very dangerous and we’re seeing it in younger and younger persons,” Pace said. “Some people think that because these are prescription drugs that are prescribed by a doctor they are in someway safer than the street drugs, and that is just not the case. The addiction to painkillers is a nationwide epidemic.”

The 13 arrested in the roundup are:

• Riva Jones, 37, 902 Blossom Lane, Apartment F1 — five counts of obtaining hydrocodone by fraud

• Colum Woodson, 32, 2625 Alma St. — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Teresa Burchfield, 52, 1865 Ring Road — four counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Dianna Hodges, 24, 187 Grange Hall Road — sale of hydrocodone

• Dawn Burroughs, 57, 1309 River Bend Cove — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Allison Launius, 30, 2649 Oak Ridge Road, Lot 1 — sale of hydrocodone

• Albert Benson, 60, 915 Locust St. — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Joel Wright, 56, 1216 Bonelli St. — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Tim Buford, 51, 5615 Jeff Davis Road — two counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Christine Hicks, 42, 1512 Ethel St. — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Minor Ray, 50, 801 Clay St., Apt. 3E — five counts of obtaining controlled substance by fraud

• Chasty Moore, 22, 1245 Mount Alban Road, Lot 6 — one count of sale of Xanax, one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance

• Sean Calvary, 31, 230 Clark Road — three counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud.

All 13 suspects have posted bail and were released from the Warren County Jail.

The panel of 18 grand jurors was to be chosen this morning from a pool of about 250 registered voters and sworn in by Circuit Judge Isadore Patrick.

They will review about 100 criminal cases and issue indictments in any cases they believe enough evidence exists for trial. If indicted, defendants will be arraigned, or formally advised of the charges against them, and given a trial date in circuit court.

In addition to reviewing evidence in criminal cases, jurors will tour the Warren County Jail, Youth Court and Children’s Shelter and meet with County and Youth Court Judge Johnny Price and other county officials. They also will prepare a report of recommendations for the Board of Supervisors.