Six individuals have been charged in connection with a scheme to illegally obtain prescription drugs for illicit use in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, Pennsylvania. The charges were announced by Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who stated that the individuals participated in a scheme to divert prescription drugs over an eight-month period.
The individuals charged are: Sabrina Thomas; Brooke Cross; Rhonda Anthony; Rebekah Carwithen; Jacqueline Keys and Adam Fincik. The diversion scheme was initiated by Thomas, an employee of Dr. Nabir Jabbour, who fraudulently called in prescriptions for Buprenorphine and Gabapentin under Dr. Jabbour’s DEA number – without his consent or knowledge.
The other individuals being charged either assisted in the scheme or obtained the illegally diverted drugs. The offenses occurred in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties between June 2015 and February 2016. According to Attorney General Shapiro, the illegal diversion of prescription drugs is harming communities, and his office is committed to investigating these cases to protect public safety.
“These individuals took advantage of their positions to unlawfully obtain prescription drugs for illicit purposes,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “Thanks to strong collaboration between the OAG Medicaid Fraud Control Section and the Pennsylvania State Police, the defendants are being brought to justice.” The case was filed before Magistrate Mark Mansour in Westmoreland County and will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Tomm Mutschler.
On September 27, 2018, Dr. Nabil Jabbour was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on charges of unlawful distribution of Buprenorphine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, health care fraud and money laundering. The charges against the six individuals are a result of an ongoing investigation into the diversion of prescription drugs in Pennsylvania.
The Attorney General’s office is committed to combating the opioid epidemic and protecting the public safety of all Pennsylvanians. The charges against these six individuals are a significant step in this effort, and demonstrate the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat drug diversion and other crimes. As the case against the six individuals moves forward, it is clear that the Attorney General’s office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those who engage in the diversion of prescription drugs.
In addition to the charges against the six individuals, the case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and the public to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs. By working together, we can help to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and protect the health and safety of our communities. The investigation into the diversion of prescription drugs in Pennsylvania is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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