Oxycodone Ring Busted: Four Face Federal Fraud Charges

MACON, GA – A brazen scheme to illegally acquire thousands of highly addictive prescription pills has landed four Georgia residents in federal court. Celeste Smith, 38, of Statham, Jessica Wise, 28, Antwan Byrd, 30, and Jerry Cooper, 64, all of Athens, were indicted on March 12, 2014, in United States District Court in Macon, facing multiple counts of prescription drug fraud.

The indictment alleges the quartet systematically obtained Schedule II, III, and IV prescription drugs – including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Alphrazolam (commonly known as Xanax) – through illicit means. Details of *how* they pulled off the scheme remain sealed, but authorities confirm the operation involved a significant volume of dangerous narcotics flooding the streets.

U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced the charges today, signaling a crackdown on prescription drug abuse in the region. If convicted, each defendant faces a stiff penalty: a maximum of four (4) years imprisonment and a hefty $250,000 fine. That’s a serious hit, but will it be enough to deter others?

This wasn’t a solo operation. The bust is the result of a joint federal/local investigation spearheaded by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and the Monroe Police Department. The agencies worked in tandem, piecing together the puzzle and bringing these individuals to justice – or at least, to indictment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett will be leading the prosecution, tasked with proving the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s important to remember, as the DOJ stresses, that the indictment represents allegations only. Smith, Wise, Byrd, and Cooper are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Those seeking further information regarding the case should contact Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you the unvarnished truth as it unfolds. Stay tuned.

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