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Opioid Epidemic

Hempstead Man Trafficked Kilogram Of Oxy, Xanax, More Hempstead Man Trafficked Kilogram Of Oxy, Xanax, More
Hempstead Man Trafficked Kilogram Of Oxy, Xanax, More A Long Island man has been sentenced to a stay in prison after being convicted of a yearslong scheme of forging prescriptions and reselling the drugs on the street. Trevor Lawry, age 38 of Hempstead, received his eight-year sentence on Wednesday, April 17, the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York announced. Lawry was convicted for orchestrating a conspiracy to divert Oxycodone and a myriad of other medications — including Adderall, Alprazolam (Xanax), and Promethazine with codeine syrup — from a Hempstead pharmacy to then resell. The scheme took place from Februa…
Lynbrook Man Disguised, Sold Fentanyl, Heroin, More: USAO Lynbrook Man Disguised, Sold Fentanyl, Heroin, More: USAO
Lynbrook Man Disguised, Sold Fentanyl, Heroin, More: Usao A Long Island man has been charged for reportedly selling heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, leading to at least one overdose death. The indictment against Ryan Mueller of Lynbrook was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York on Thursday, April 4. Over the last few years, Mueller, age 32, is accused of conspiring with several other unnamed people to distribute controlled substances like heroin and cocaine. According to the USAO, Mueller’s conspiring is related to the December 2022 death of a 49-year-old victim. The man was found inside of hi…
Hyde Park Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say Hyde Park Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say
Hyde Park Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say Two alleged drug dealers off the streets following a bust by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force in collaboration with local police. The incident -- which took two illegal handguns and narcotics off the streets --  took place in Dutchess County on Thursday, Jan. 4 on Wagon Wheel Road in the town of Hyde Park, said Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force. Harris said the warrant search was the result of an ongoing investigation by the task force into local drug sales. Arrested during the search included Terrance A. Warren, age 30, and Bryant N. Rojas-Hill, age 31, both from the town of…
$1.6 Million Fentanyl Arrest Of NY Man In PA: AG $1.6 Million Fentanyl Arrest Of NY Man In PA: AG
$1.6 Million Fentanyl Arrest Of NY Man In PA: AG A New York man is accused of bringing almost half a million doses of fentanyl into Pennsylvania, authorities say.  Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, 27, was arrested by state agents and Allegheny County authorities and arraigned on Friday, Sept. 1, Attorney General Michelle Henry's Office said.  Pichardo Cepeda was spotted avoiding police officers and canine units when he arrived in Pittsburgh from New York, prosecutors said. He consented to a search of his backpack, where police said they found a kilogram of fentanyl. Eight more kilograms of fentanyl — or 450,000 doses — wer…
Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Middletown Home Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Middletown Home
Fentanyl Bust: 900 Bags Of Drug Seized During Search Of Middletown Home Some 900 bags of fentanyl were seized during a warrant search of a Hudson Valley home following a four-month investigation.  The incident took place in Orange County in the town of Middletown on Wednesday, June 7, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta. As alleged in charging documents filed and comments made in court, on Wednesday, police officers executed a search warrant at a home in Middletown.  During the search, police recovered approximately 900 bags of fentanyl worth $13,500, various amounts of oxycodone, al…
Maryland '1800 Boys' Gang Members Face Murder, Drugs, Weapons Charges: AG Maryland '1800 Boys' Gang Members Face Murder, Drugs, Weapons Charges: AG
Maryland '1800 Boys' Gang Members Face Murder, Drugs, Weapons Charges: AG Nine men have been charged for their roles in a criminal gang and operating an open-air drug market that operated throughout Baltimore City, according to Attorney General Anthony Brown. Brown announced the indictments of nine men for their role in the gang, as well as one member who is wanted for his role in the murder of Baltimore resident Marquis Carter in November last year. Those charged: Keontae Moore, 23; Dayvonta Mackey, 27; Daquan Battle, 27; Jawaan Jordan, 28; DaMarvin Singletary, 28; Brandon Ledbetter, 29; Carlos Jordan, 32; Darrell White, 33; Theodore Easton, 44. The c…
Montco Pharma Giant Could Pay Billions For Role In Opioid Crisis: Feds Montco Pharma Giant Could Pay Billions For Role In Opioid Crisis: Feds
Montco Pharma Giant Could Pay Billions For Role In Opioid Crisis: Feds A Conshohocken-based pharmaceutical giant could be on the hook for billions of dollars in fines for its role in the nationwide opioid epidemic, prosecutors say.  US Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero filed suit against AmerisourceBergen Corp., one of America's largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, for allegedly violating federal law regarding opioid distribution.  According to prosecutors, prescription drug sellers have a "longstanding legal obligation" to inform the federal Drug Enforcement Administration "each and every time they receive a suspicious order." Not only did AmerisourceBe…
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …
15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG 15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG
15 Dirt Bike-Riding Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine Dealers Nabbed In Harrisburg Drug Bust: AG A six-month investigation into alleged drug dealing dirt bike riders in Harrisburg resulted in the arrests of 15 people and a massive drug and gun seizure, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced on Friday, Oct. 7. The details of the charges were released in an 88-page affidavit detailing the drug deliveries witnessed by police in broad daylight in the area of Regina, 14th, 13th, Wayne, Evergreen, Derry, Swatara, and Argyle streets. Police began watching the group in March 2022 after Harrisburg police department's narcotics unit witnessed a drug run and soon involved state police and a…
Dedham Veterinarian Paying $15,000 Settlement For Mishandling Drugs Dedham Veterinarian Paying $15,000 Settlement For Mishandling Drugs
Dedham Veterinarian Paying $15,000 Settlement For Mishandling Drugs A Dedham veterinarian will pay $15,000 to resolve allegations that he improperly stored, ordered and kept records of controlled substances, the US Attorney's Office for Massachusetts reports.  An investigation revealed that Wilbur Salter, II D.V.M., who practices at Animed Pet Hospital in Dedham, violated multiple Controlled Substance Act (CSA) provisions for keeping inadequate records of several controlled substances, the office reports.  “It is essential that all prescribers—including veterinarians—keep accurate records of controlled substances so that we can identify …
West Babylon Man Sentenced For Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Related To Death Of LI Woman West Babylon Man Sentenced For Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Related To Death Of LI Woman
West Babylon Man Sentenced For Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Related To Death Of LI Woman A Long Island man was sentenced for distributing the fentanyl-laced heroin that caused the death of a 21-year-old woman in 2020. Donta Riddick, age 35, of West Babylon, was sentenced to 16-and-a-half years in prison on Tuesday, Sept. 13, for possessing and distributing heroin and fentanyl, according to Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. In his guilty plea on Jan. 28, Riddick admitted to distributing the drugs on Sept. 13, 2020, that killed a Massapequa woman. “Today’s sentencing is justice served for the trauma that the defendant directly caused …
Spike In Overdoses Reported In Litchfield County Spike In Overdoses Reported In Litchfield County
Spike In Overdoses Reported In Litchfield County A Connecticut county is reporting a spike alert in overdoses associated with the supply of available drugs in the area. Litchfield County County officials reported that from Tuesday, June 28 to Tuesday, July 5, there were dozens of overdoses, with two of them fatal, according to Fox61. A spike alert is triggered when there have been more than three overdoses in a 24-hour period, officials said. When an alert is issued, the county's Opiate Task Force responds with messaging to make sure that drug users are aware and also offers information on where and how to get help. Some of the resource…
Driver Had 20K Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Fire Extinguisher During Routine Virginia Stop: Police Driver Had 20K Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Fire Extinguisher During Routine Virginia Stop: Police
Driver Had 20K Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Fire Extinguisher During Routine Virginia Stop: Police More than 20,000 fentanyl-laced Percocet pills were found in a routine vehicle stop in Virginia, officials said. Police stopped the vehicle of a suspected dealer from the area and found the pills in a fire extinguisher located in the trunk, Prince William County Police said. The pills are suspected to be counterfeit and very dangerous. Police reported they also found suspected crack cocaine, money, and unknown pills in the suspect’s car. The suspect was charged and no further information was released due to an ongoing investigation, police said. The investigation is part of an effort to …
Two Worcester Residents Admit To Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Two Worcester Residents Admit To Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy
Two Worcester Residents Admit To Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Two Massachusetts residents have pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and heroin.  Cintia Franco, age 34, and Amauris Antonio Rosario Garcia, also known as “Animal,” age 39, both of Worcester, each pleaded guilty this week to: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl; Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin;  Distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.  Garcia also pleaded guilty to distribution o…
Duo Charged In Connection With Overdose Deaths Of Four On East End Of Long Island Duo Charged In Connection With Overdose Deaths Of Four On East End Of Long Island
Duo Charged In Connection With Overdose Deaths Of Four On East End Of Long Island Two Long Island men are facing charges for conspiring to distribute drugs that led to the deaths of four people in the East End last summer, federal prosecutors announced. Riverhead residents Marquis Douglas - also known as “Prince,” and “President,” age 36 - and Jesse “Jah” Pace, age 38, were charged in Central Islip federal court with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine. Prosecutors said that the indictment also charges the two with the distribution of controlled substances resulting in four separate deaths on Aug. 13, 2021, and Douglas with possession of …
Man Busted With Fentanyl In City Of Poughkeepsie, Police Say Man Busted With Fentanyl In City Of Poughkeepsie, Police Say
Man Busted With Fentanyl In City Of Poughkeepsie, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been arrested for allegedly being in possession of a large quantity of fentanyl following a three-month investigation. The bust took place in the city of Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, May 17, and resulted in the arrest of Orange County resident Laquan Falls, age 26, of Newburgh. The arrest is the culmination of a three-month investigation by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force into Falls drugs sales in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster County areas, said Det/Sergeant Adam D. Harris, coordinator of the task force. When taken into custody by task force agents Falls was in&…
Four Virginia Men Caught Carrying Over 5,000 Counterfeit Percocet Pills: Police Four Virginia Men Caught Carrying Over 5,000 Counterfeit Percocet Pills: Police
Four Virginia Men Caught Carrying Over 5,000 Counterfeit Percocet Pills: Police Four men have been arrested in connection with a massive Prince William drug seizure, authorities said. The men, aged 19 to 23, were caught carrying over 5,000 suspect counterfeit fentanyl-laced Percocet pills, the Prince William County Police Department said on Twitter.  ARRESTS: In connection to the recent seizure of over 5,000 suspected counterfeit fentanyl-laced Percocet pills which occurred on May 2. https://t.co/W4Lq1IOu9j pic.twitter.com/QoK7E1Xo8C — Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) May 4, 2022 Walter Alexander Quintanilla Gomez, Emerson Giovanni Quintanilla …
CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says
CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says Connecticut has big plans for its share of the $6 billion Purdue Pharma settlement after being one of nine agencies to appeal a previous settlement with the Sackler family. As part of the multi-billion dollar settlement, Connecticut is set to receive approximately $95 million, which is approximately 40 percent more than the previously vacated settlement that was appealed by state officials. Earlier story - Purdue Pharma Reaches $6B Settlement With US States Over Thousands Of Opioid-Related Lawsuits Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said that the money the state will receive as part…
Suburban Philly Doctor Pleads Guilty To Running 'Pill Mill' Suburban Philly Doctor Pleads Guilty To Running 'Pill Mill'
Suburban Philly Doctor Pleads Guilty To Running 'Pill Mill' A Pennsylvania doctor has pleaded guilty to running a "pill mill" that flooded his own community with painkillers over the course of four years, federal authorities said. Yutong Zhang, 63, of Berwyn, pleaded guilty to an Information charging four counts of distributing oxycodone outside of the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose, United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said in a Thursday, Feb. 3 release. Zhang is accused of selling medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone to approximately 120 patients at his St. Davids pa…
Suffolk County Man Admits To Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl Suffolk County Man Admits To Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl
Suffolk County Man Admits To Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl A drug dealer on Long Island admitted to selling the heroin and fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of a 21-year-old woman, federal prosecutors announced. West Babylon resident Donta Riddick, age 35, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of heroin with intent to distribute, while admitting to selling the drugs that killed a Massapequa woman in Nassau County in 2020. As part of the plea, Riddick agreed to serve 16.5 years (198 months) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. “Today, (Riddick) admitted to trafficking heroin laced with fentanyl that caused the…
Former Long Island Doctor Sentenced For Causing OD Deaths Of Two Patients Former Long Island Doctor Sentenced For Causing OD Deaths Of Two Patients
Former Long Island Doctor Sentenced For Causing OD Deaths Of Two Patients A former doctor on Long Island who illegally sold oxycodone to two patients who suffered fatal overdose will spend decades in prison for distributing the drug. Merrick resident Michael Belfiore, age 58, who previously practiced osteopathic medicine in Nassau County, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the illegal distribution of oxycodone that caused two deaths and for selling to an undercover detective. In addition to his prison sentence, Belfiore was also ordered to forfeit $7,270 in fees that he took from the two patients and undercover detective, and pay $17,000 in restitution based…
Suburban Philly Pharmacist Exchanged Heroin, Fentanyl For Sex, Money: DA Suburban Philly Pharmacist Exchanged Heroin, Fentanyl For Sex, Money: DA
Suburban Philly Pharmacist Exchanged Heroin, Fentanyl For Sex, Money: DA A Pennsylvania pharmacist was arrested on accusations he prescribed oxycodone, Xanax, and fentanyl to at least two people in exchange for sexual favors, authorities announced. Martin Brian, 81 -- who owns Murray-Overhill Pharmacy located on State Street in Media -- became the center of an investigation when police came to check on two unconscious individuals behind the pharmacy the morning of Sunday, April 18, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. As the officers were in the process of identifying the individuals in the car, a woman -- identified by authorities…
Three In Suffolk County Charged For Conspiring With Rapper In Drug Trafficking Ring Three In Suffolk County Charged For Conspiring With Rapper In Drug Trafficking Ring
Three In Suffolk County Charged For Conspiring With Rapper In Drug Trafficking Ring Three men on Long Island are among six - including a “chart-topping rapper” facing charges for their roles in an elaborate cross-country drug distribution ring. In federal court in Central Islip on Friday, Oct. 29, an indictment was unsealed charging six men with conspiring to distribute and possess controlled substances, including five of them also charged for using weapons in connection to drug trafficking. Those charged: Anthony Leonardi, age 47, of Coram in Suffolk County; Kavaugn L. Wiggins, also known as “KV,” age 26, of Coram; Brian Sullivan, age 26, of Lake Grove; Anthony Cyntje,…
Fetty Wap Trafficked 100 Kilos Of Opioids Across US, Federal Officials Say Fetty Wap Trafficked 100 Kilos Of Opioids Across US, Federal Officials Say
Fetty Wap Trafficked 100 Kilos Of Opioids Across US, Federal Officials Say New Jersey rapper Fetty Wap was among six men charged with running an elaborate cross-country drug distribution ring out of Long Island, authorities announced Friday. The rapper, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was arrested Thursday by FBI agents at Citi Field. An indictment was unsealed in Central Islip federal court Friday, Oct. 29, charging six men with conspiring to distribute and possess controlled substances, including five of them also charged for using weapons in connection to drug trafficking. The six men distributed more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fe…
New Details Released On NY's $1.1 Billion Settlement With Nation's Biggest Opioid Distributors New Details Released On NY's $1.1 Billion Settlement With Nation's Biggest Opioid Distributors
New Details Released On NY's $1.1 Billion Settlement With Nation's Biggest Opioid Distributors New York has reached a $1.1 billion agreement with three of the nation's largest opioid distributors to help curb and prevent drug use across the state. Attorney General Letitia James announced an agreement with McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., and Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation — three of the nation’s largest drug distributors — that will deliver up to $1.1 billion to New York state to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.  Earlier report: NY, Other States Reach $4.5B Settlement With Purdue Pharma Over Its Role In Opioid Epidemic The agreement is the largest m…
NY, Other States Reach $4.5B Settlement With Purdue Pharma Over Its Role In Opioid Epidemic NY, Other States Reach $4.5B Settlement With Purdue Pharma Over Its Role In Opioid Epidemic
NY, Other States Reach $4.5B Settlement With Purdue Pharma Over Its Role In Opioid Epidemic New York is joining several other states in winning a multi-billion dollar settlement - one of the largest in the country’s history - with Purdue Pharma for its role in the opioid epidemic that has plagued the US for years. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $4.5 billion settlement with the pharmaceutical company that will put them out of business after falsely marketing its products to get Americans hooked on opioids. The owners of Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, will pay out a total of $4.325 billion over the next nine years, with New York State receiving approximately $200 million. Cuomo …
NJ, NY, PA Among States Sharing Historic $4.3B Purdue Pharma Settlement NJ, NY, PA Among States Sharing Historic $4.3B Purdue Pharma Settlement
NJ, NY, PA Among States Sharing Historic $4.3B Purdue Pharma Settlement Oxycontin-maker Purdue Pharma has reached an historic $4.3 billion settlement with New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and a dozen other states that one attorney general said involved the “most that individuals have ever paid for breaking the law.” New Jersey expects to receive more than $110 million from the deal, state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said Thursday. As part of the settlement, the Sackler family must surrender ownership of the bankrupt drug company. They also must release more than 30 million family and Purdue Pharma documents that outline their roles in an opioid epidemi…
Nurse Accused Of Stealing 1,400 Vials Of Fentanyl From Long Island Hospital Nurse Accused Of Stealing 1,400 Vials Of Fentanyl From Long Island Hospital
Nurse Accused Of Stealing 1,400 Vials Of Fentanyl From Long Island Hospital A former nurse at a Long Island hospital has been arrested for allegedly stealing nearly 1,500 vials of fentanyl from her employer, the District Attorney announced. Melissa Frame, age 36, of Merrick, who worked as a nurse at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, turned herself in to police investigators and was arrested on Tuesday, May 18 for allegedly stealing 1,467 vials of fentanyl and 223 vials of midazolam between October and December last year. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Frame allegedly used her fingerprint and a unique ID number to gain access t…
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart To Resign Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart To Resign
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart To Resign Suffolk County's top cop has announced she is stepping down to take a new job. Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart announced Wednesday, April 14, that she is stepping down after three years on the job to become the director of public safety at Hofstra University. Hart, the first-ever woman to lead the Suffolk Police Department, took over just three years ago when the 2,500-member force was in a state of turmoil following a series of corruption scandals. She also faced a rise in MS-13 street violence and murders and the effects of the opioid epidemic. Hart, who worked for the FBI fo…
Authorities: Ring Got 30,000 Painkiller Pills With Prescription Blanks Swiped From NJ Hospitals Authorities: Ring Got 30,000 Painkiller Pills With Prescription Blanks Swiped From NJ Hospitals
Authorities: Ring Got 30,000 Painkiller Pills With Prescription Blanks Swiped From NJ Hospitals Using prescription blanks stolen from hospitals in Bergen and Passaic counties, a crew used a single pharmacy to get its hands on 30,000 high-dose oxycodone pills, including a year’s worth of painkillers prescribed to a dead man, authorities charged. The volume eventually gave them away, state and federal law enforcement officials said. Milagros Santiago, 43, of Haledon, was working as a pharmacy technician at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson when she swiped prescription blanks, state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. The forged blanks were then filled at Panther Vall…
Pennsylvania AG Vows To 'Take On Big Fights' As He's Sworn Into Second Term Pennsylvania AG Vows To 'Take On Big Fights' As He's Sworn Into Second Term
Pennsylvania AG Vows To 'Take On Big Fights' As He's Sworn Into Second Term Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro was sworn in for his second term Tuesday in Harrisburg, officials announced. His swearing-in speech reflected on the big fights fought and won since taking office in 2017 -- and the ones to come in his second term.  “Four years ago, I was elected your Attorney General to fulfill the promise of this great agency, to work towards justice, and to take on the big fights, against the most powerful institutions, for every one of us," Shapiro said. "I went to every corner of Pennsylvania — all 67 counties — the very first year, to listen…The work go…